Firms in cigarette price-fix inquiry
Published Date:
26 April 2008
By Holly Williams
ELEVEN major retailers and two tobacco manufacturers were facing an investigation over allegations of unlawful cigarette pricing practices, it emerged yesterday.
The tobacco giants Imperial Tobacco and Gallaher were named alongside store chains, including Tesco, Sainsbury's and Asda, in a "statement of objections" issued by the Office of Fair Trading.
The watchdog has accused the groups of anti-competitive pricing, alleging that firms co-ordinated to link the price of some brands to rival products and also that some arranged to swap information on future pricing.
John Fingleton, the chief executive of the OFT, said: "If proven, the alleged practices would amount to a serious breach of the law."
Tesco said: "We do not believe that Tesco has acted in a way that has harmed consumers."
Imperial Tobacco said it would respond to the allegations in due course. Gallaher was not available for comment.
Those named have about two months to respond to the OFT's statement.
The full article contains 162 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
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Last Updated:
26 April 2008 12:24 AM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
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Related Topics:
Tobacco
,
Tesco
