EC investigates sodium chlorate cartel

02 August 2007 14:39  [Source: ICIS news]

PARIS (ICIS news)--The European Commission (EC) is investigating allegations that EU countries participated in a sodium chlorate cartel, the EU executive body said on Thursday.

 

The EC confirmed that a statement of objections had been sent to a number of companies alleging they had violated EU anti-trust regulations. 

 

A statement of objections is the initial formal step in an EC anti-trust investigation.

 

Finnish Chemicals Oy, a subsidiary of Kemira Oyj, issued a statement admitting it was one of the companies concerned and said the investigation covered the sale of sodium chlorate between 1994 and 2000.

 

Finnish Chemicals, which bought Kemira Oyj in 2005, said it would study the documents and respond to them.

 

The companies in question have the right to reply in writing and request a hearing to present their comments on the case.

 

The EC will then decide whether to pursue the investigation.

 

Sodium chlorate is mainly used as a bleaching agent in the pulp and paper industry.

By: Philippa Jones
+44 20 8652 3214

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