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ARTICLE · 14 DECEMBER 2010

Commission Fines LCD Panel Producers for Price Fixing Cartel

SJ Berwin LLP
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The European Commission ('Commission') has found that six non-European LCD (liquid crystal display) panel producers havebeen operating a price fixing cartel in breach of Article 101 TFEU.

European UnionAntitrust/Competition Law
SJ Berwin'S EU & Competition Team
SJ Berwin'S EU & Competition Team

The European Commission ('Commission') has found that six non-European LCD (liquid crystal display) panel producers have been operating a price fixing cartel in breach of Article 101 TFEU.  Fines of just over €648 million have been imposed.  The companies involved are: AU Optronics, Chimei InnoLux Corporation, Chunghwa Picture Tubes and HannStar Display Corporation all from Taiwan and Korean firms Samsung Electronics and LG Display.

LCD panels are the main component of thin, flat monitors used in televisions, computer monitors and electronic notebooks. The Commission found that for over 4 years the companies met regularly, typically in Taiwan, to agree prices (including minimum prices and price ranges) and exchange information on future production, capacity utilisation and other commercial conditions.  Evidence was found that the companies were aware that their actions breached competition rules and that they had taken steps to conceal their actions and the details

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