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[November 2004]
Sphinx Investigated by European Commission
The European Commission has published a statement regarding its launch of investigations relating to allegedly suspected cartel arrangements operated by some manufacturers and importers of a variety of bathroom fittings in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Holland and Italy.
One of the European majors, Sanitec Group, subsequently issued a statement saying that just one of its companies - Koninlijke Sphinx BV in Holland - had been the subject of this inspection. The offices of Sphinx in Maastricht were visited by EC representatives on 10 November 2004, relating to alleged cartel arrangements in the bathroom fittings market in Holland. Sphinx manufactures and sells ceramic sanitaryware in the Benelux area.
It is not actually a manufacturer of taps, mixers or other bathroom fittings, which are the subject matter of the EC inspection, but has acted as a small scale importer. Sanitec added that, in accordance with its established policies, Sphinx had rendered the representatives of the EC its full assistance and cooperation.
The group concluded: "Sphinx became part of the Sanitec Group in 2000. Sanitec maintains a strict groupwide policy of adherence to all applicable antitrust and competition laws, and Sphinx and Sanitec are unaware of any alleged unfair trade practices".
ENDS