BBC News, 6
June 2013
Mars and Nestle have been charged with alleged price-fixing in Canada |
The
Competition Bureau in the capital Ottawa said it has uncovered
"evidence" suggesting price-fixing.
Nestle
Canada, Mars Canada, and the distributors ITWAL have been charged.
The Bureau
said the Canadian division of the US confectionary company Hershey co-operated
with its investigation.
Officials
said Hershey Canada, an alleged co-conspirator, is expected to plead guilty at
a hearing later this month in exchange for leniency.
"We
are fully committed to pursuing those who engage in egregious anti-competitive
behaviour that harms Canadian consumers," said John Pecman, Interim
Commissioner of Competition.
"Price-fixing
is a serious criminal offence and today's charges demonstrate the Competition
Bureau's resolve to stop cartel activity in Canada," he added.
'Vigorous
defence'
Mars Canada
said in a statement: "Mars Canada intends to vigorously defend itself
against these allegations. It is Mars Canada's policy not to comment on pending
litigation and we are therefore unable to make any additional comments in
relation to this matter, which is now before the court."
Three
individuals have also been charged as part of the investigation.
They are
former Nestle Canada president Robert Leonidas; Sandra Martinez, former
president of confectionery for Nestle Canada; and David Glenn Stevens, president
and chief executive of ITWAL.
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