Du Pont Performance Elastomers Fined $4 Million for its Role in an International Price Fixing Agreement

Polychloroprene rubber, a specific type of synthetic rubber, is used in the manufacture of a wide range of consumer products in the automotive, adhesive and construction industries, such as hoses, transmission belts and cables. It is also known as chloroprene rubber, polychloroprene, PCP or neoprene.

"The Competition Bureau protects consumers and businesses against price fixing agreements and does not hesitate to prosecute any business, whether located in Canada or abroad, that engages in these illegal activities affecting the Canadian market," said Denyse MacKenzie, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Competition. "Price fixing agreements harm Canadian businesses and consumers by forcing them to pay higher prices for the goods and services they purchase."

From August 1999 to April 2002, DPE and co-conspirators agreed to fix the prices of polychloroprene rubber sold in the North American market. Although it is difficult to quantify the impact of this conspiracy on the Canadian market, the sales of this product were approximately $50 million for the relevant period and DPE's share of the market represented approximately 70%. Copies of the documents filed before the Superior Court of Justice are available on the Competition Bureau's Web site or from the Court Registry (Court filenumber 0730300)

The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency. We contribute to the prosperity of Canadians by protecting and promoting competitive markets and enabling informed consumer choice.

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