The European Commission has launched investigations into the suspected existence of an alleged price-fixing cartel involving 13 producers of bulk vitamins, including Hoffmann-La Roche and BASF, among other European and Japanese companies.
It has confirmed that it has sent statements of objections to these companies, which now have the right to reply, to have access to relevant files and to request the organisation of a hearing. The allegations relate in particular to vitamins A, C, D and B complex for human and animal use.
Companies have already been fined in the United States with regard to a similar cartel.
A statement of objections is a legal step in proceedings under article 81 of the EU treaty, which bans cartels and other damaging concerted business practices.
A Commission statement said that the move "does not prejudge the outcome of the investigation."
There is no strict deadline for Commission investigators to conclude antitrust investigations. Companies found to have broken EU anti-trust laws can be heavily fined.