europe

Brussels, 29th November 2006

The European Commission has fined five groups of companies a total of € 519 million for participating in a cartel to fix prices and share customers for certain types of synthetic rubber (Butadiene Rubber - BR and Emulsion Styrene Butadiene Rubber - ESBR), in violation of the EC Treaty’s ban on restrictive business practices (Article 81).

Companies belonging to the groups Eni, Bayer, Shell, Dow, Unipetrol and Trade-Stomil operated the cartel from at least 1996 to 2002. Synthetic rubbers BR and ESBR are extensively used for the production of tyres as well as for the production of other consumer goods.