EU investigates animal feed phosphate cartel
European antitrust regulators are targeting companies that produce phosphates used in animal feed, sending a formal notice to several companies suspected of participating in a cartel aimed at fixing prices of the product.
European Commission antitrust spokesman Jonathan Todd confirmed Friday that the commission had sent a statement of objections to phosphate producers in the animal feed industry, but declined to name the companies under scrutiny or comment further.
Belgian chemicals firm Tessenderlo Chemie, a major producer of phosphates used in animal feed, said it was aware of the investigation but declined further comment.
Norwegian chemical and fertilizer firm Yara International, which acquired the phosphates business of Finnish chemicals firm Kemira in 2007, said it is cooperating with the commission’s investigation.
"We have been fully cooperating with the EU, and we are now awaiting the conclusions," a Yara spokesman said.
