Competition Bureau Nets $1.5 Million Fine in Polyester Staple Fibre Price Fixing Conspiracy

OTTAWA, August 29, 2003 — The Competition Bureau announced today that Arteva Specialties S.a.r.l. has pleaded guilty to a charge of price fixing and was fined $1.5 million in the Federal Court of Canada, for its part in a conspiracy affecting the sale of polyester staple fibre, used widely by textile manufacturers in fabrics, sheets, shirts and other clothing, and in home furnishings.

"The Competition Bureau will continue to fight criminal business activities," said Denyse MacKenzie, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Competition. "Polyester staple fibre is found in many consumer products and Canadians pay a price when companies conspire to fix prices and prevent competition."

The Bureau's investigation revealed that Luxembourg-based Arteva Specialties S.a.r.l., also known as KoSa, was involved in a price fixing and market allocation conspiracy, affecting polyester staple fibre. This investigation is ongoing concerning the alleged involvement of other companies in this conspiracy.

Certified copies of the filed documents may be obtained from the Federal Court of Canada Registries.

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that promotes and maintains fair competition so that all Canadians can benefit from competitive prices, product choice and quality service. It oversees the application of the Competition Act, the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, the Textile Labelling Act and the Precious Metals Marking Act.

Court Documents
Indictment (PDF: 43KB)
Statement of Admissions (PDF: 144KB)

If the following documents are not accessible to you, please contact the Competition Bureau's Information Centre Toll free: 1-800-348-5358, Phone: 819-997-4282 TDD (hearing impaired): 1-800-642-3844 for alternate print formats.

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André Leclair
Senior Communications Advisor
Communications Branch
819-953-4257 or 613-858-4214

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