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ARTICLE · 04 JULY 2006

OFT fines double glazing cartelists

CMS Cameron McKenna Nabarro Olswang
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The OFT announced on 29 June 2006 that it has fined three members of a double glazing cartel approximately £900,000.

United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Susan Hankey
Susan Hankey
David Marks
David Marks

The OFT announced on 29 June 2006 that it has fined three members of a double glazing cartel approximately £900,000.

EWS (Manufacturing) Limited, Thermoseal Group Limited and Double Quick Supplyline Limited were fined for their involvement in a cartel which fixed the prices of and shared the market in aluminium spacer bars, which are used in double glazing. Ulmke Metals Limited also participated in the cartel but escaped fines under the OFT’s leniency policy. Thermoseal also obtained a 40% reduction in its fine for having cooperated with the OFT’s investigation.

The OFT noted that the cartel operated "during the last part of 2002 and was brought to an early end as a result of the OFT’s intervention". This emphasises the importance of competition law compliance, as even this short lived infringement resulted in substantial fines for the cartelists.

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