Pilkington has been fined €140,000,000 (£97,608,000) by the European Commission for its part in a price fixing cartel involving three other flat glass producers – Asahi, Guardian and Saint-Gobain.
Fines for the four companies total €486,900,000 and were imposed because they co-ordinated prices increases and other commercial conditions for deliveries of flat glass - used for windows, glass doors and mirrors - within the European Economic Area (EEA).
Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said: "The Commission will not tolerate companies cheating consumers and business customers by fixing prices and depriving them of the benefits of the single market. Fortunately this cartel was discovered by the Commission with the help of the member states' national competition authorities, in the context of the European Competition Network. This case demonstrates clearly the benefits of enhanced co-operation between the Commission and the National Competition Authorities ".
Evidence uncovered describes in detail several meetings in restaurants and hotels in different European countries during which Asahi, Guardian, Pilkington and Saint-Gobain discussed and agreed the level and timing of price increases (including which undertaking was to lead the price increase), target prices, minimum prices and/or exchanged sensitive commercial information.
The four companies have a combined share of at least 80% of the flat glass market in the EEA.
Any person or firm affected by anti-competitive behaviour as described in this case may bring the matter before member states' courts and seek damages, submitting elements of the published decision as evidence that the behaviour took place and was illegal.
The fines reflect the overall economic significance of the infringement as well as the share of each company involved.
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Name and location of undertaking
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Fine* (€)
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Asahi (Japan)
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65 000 000
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Guardian (USA)
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148 000 000
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Pilkington (UK)
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140 000 000
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Saint-Gobain (France)
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133 900 000
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TOTAL
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486 900 000
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(*) Legal entities within the undertaking may be held jointly and severally liable for the whole or part of the fine imposed.
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