EU antitrust regulators have raided the premises of an energy drinks company, confirmed as Red Bull, for suspected violation of European Union rules.
Red Bull confirmed in a statement that officials of the European Commission had visited its premises on Monday.
The Commission raised concerns that the company may have violated antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices and also suspects it of abusing its dominant position.
In a statement emailed to FoodBev Media, Red Bull commented: “We will cooperate with them [officials of the European Commission] in any matters that may concern them. Any such matter is for the EU Commission and any requests for further information should be directed to them.”
The EU executive, which did not itself identify the company under investigation, said: “Unannounced inspections are a preliminary step in an investigation into suspected anticompetitive practices. The fact that the Commission carries out such inspections does not mean that the company is guilty of anti-competitive behaviour, nor does it prejudge the outcome of the investigation itself.”
Companies found breaking EU competition rules can be fined up to 10% of their overall annual turnover.
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