SWITZERLAND – After our story this morning confirming Panalpina’s possible involvement in alleged anti competitive practices relating to its activities, another Swiss run freight forwarder has admitted they too have received notification from the EU Competition Commission of offences which they are suspected of involvement in with a pronouncement from Kuehne & Nagel today that they too have received an EU Statement of Objections.
The Statement of Objections follows the investigations initiated by the European Commission at Kuehne + Nagel premises in October 2007 and subsequent questionnaires. A Statement of Objections is a procedural document whereby the European Commission communicates its preliminary view of a possible infringement of EU competition law. Addressees are allowed to present arguments in response.
Kuehne & Nagel say they will examine the documents closely and will respond in due course whilst reserving their right to ‘exhaust legal remedies’.
European feeder vessel owners are also now subject to scrutiny following the EU Competition Commissions opening of a formal investigation into the “Baltic Max Feeder” scheme which was announced last month. The wheels of the Commission have ground slowly but effectively under the stewardship of outgoing boss Neelie Kroes.
Pic: K & N.
