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A former director of the brewery giant, Inbev Germany, testified before the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court over allegations of illegal pricing by breweries. It had been in March 2007 on the sidelines of a fair at a meeting of several Brauereichefs, reported the man Wednesday. It was discussed about an increase in bottled beer of one euro per box. According to the findings of the Federal Cartel Office, representatives from Inbev Germany, Carlsberg Germany, Bitburger, Radeberger, Veltins and Warsteiner attended the meeting.
Fine of more than 338 million Euro
As a result of this and other allegations of collusion, the Authority opened an investigation in 2012 and imposed fines totaling 338 million euros. eleven companies, one badociation and fourteen executives in the following years. Already in 2005 and 2006, the breweries should have agreed on a price increase of draft beer of five to six euros per hectolitre. At the end of November 2006, there were widespread price increases.
The investigation had triggered indications from the Inbev Germany brewery. The company should also have been involved in the agreements themselves. However, the antitrust bonus system allows defendants to avoid a penalty if they voluntarily approach the authorities and provide sufficient information. As a result, no fine was imposed on Inbev Germany
Was there a "voting culture"?
With most of the accused, the Cartel Office reached an agreement, others opposed allegations with contradictions. Finally, they were those to Dr. Oetker belonging to Radeberger Group and Carlsberg Germany. It accounted for 222 million euros, the largest part of the fines. However, with regard to the financial risk of the proceedings, Radeberger withdrew the opposition in June. The group continues to reject all allegations. Today, Carlsberg Germany is still fighting with its former head of Germany, Wolfgang Burgard
. Chief Justice of the Higher Regional Court, Manfred Winterscheidt, also sent several emails on Wednesday, signaling direct talks between Inbev and other breweries. which were not on the list of the Federal Cartel Office. "Was there anything like a voting culture in the end?" He asked the former director. "There were discussions, that can not be denied," he replied. But he did not want to talk about a culture. "I do not know." Information on competitors' price plans was obtained mainly from mutual customers.
The hearing did not end on Wednesday, the court's questions were too extensive. In the coming week, the manager has to come back again.
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