The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed yesterday that it has reason to suspect anti-competitive behaviour has taken place involving suppliers of fragrances and fragrance ingredients for use in the manufacture of consumer products such as household and personal care products.
The businesses under investigation by the UK’s competition regulator are Firmenich International SA, Givaudan SA, International Flavours & Fragrances Inc, and Symrise AG.
The CMA said it had been in contact with the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice, the European Commission and the Swiss Competition Commission in relation to the matter, with the investigation being launched in consultation with them.
The regulator stated that following a period of investigation and information gathering, it may issue a statement of objections if it comes to the provisional view that competition law has been infringed. “At this stage, no assumptions should be made about whether competition law has been broken,” the CMA said.
NAM Implications:
- Meanwhile, a distraction for all stakeholders?
