Panasonic fined 7.7 mln euros for violating European competition lawDecember 8, 2011 - 11:44 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Japanese electronics giant Panasonic said it has been fined 7.7 million euros ($10.3 million) for violating European competition law in connection with sales of refrigerator parts. The firm said it had been "fully cooperating" in a European Commission probe on compressors, which are used to cool refrigerators and freezers, that Panasonic and other manufacturers sold on the continent. On Wednesday, December 7, the Commission said it had fined the firm and three others - Italy's ACC, Denmark's Danfoss and Brazilian firm Embraco - a total of 161.2 million euros for running a price-fixing cartel from April 2004 until October 2007. Panasonic's participation began in November 2006, it said, adding that a fifth company, U.S.-based Tecumseh, acted as a whistleblower and was not fined. "Panasonic is carefully assessing the Commission's decision," the company said in a statement Thursday, saying it took "this matter seriously and will make every effort to maintain the public's confidence." "It is the policy of Panasonic to comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including anti-trust regulations," it added. Panasonic said the fine would have no material impact on its financial forecast for the fiscal year ending in March, AFP reported. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | European Parliament to discuss repression in Azerbaijan The European Parliament will discuss repression of civil society in Azerbaijan on April 24 PACE wants concessions from Azerbaijan to accept Baku back A PACE co-rapporteur said that Azerbaijani authorities must make certain concessions so that the country can return to PACE. Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. |