CASE AT.39437 – TV and computer monitor tubes CARTEL

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Competition DG

CASE AT.39437 – TV and computer

monitor tubes

(Only the English text is authentic)

CARTEL PROCEDURE

Council Regulation (EC) 1/2003

Article 7 Regulation (EC) 1/2003

Date: 05/12/2012

Please note that in its judgment of 9 September 2015 in Toshiba v Commission, T-104/13,

ECLI:EU:T:2015:610, the General Court annulled this decision insofar as the Commission

had found Toshiba liable for the CPT cartel from 16 May 2000 to 31 March 2003. In its

judgment of 18 January 2017, the Court of Justice confirmed the judgment of the General

Court (Toshiba v Commission, C-623/15 P, ECLI:EU:C:2017:21).

This text is made available for information purposes only. A summary of this decision is

published in all EU languages in the Official Journal of the European Union.

Parts of this text have been edited to ensure that confidential information is not disclosed.

Those parts are replaced by a non-confidential summary in square brackets or are shown as

[…].

EN EN

EUROPEAN

COMMISSION

Brussels, 5.12.2012

C(2012) 8839 final

COMMISSION DECISION

of 5.12.2012

addressed to:

- Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd.

- Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

- CPTF Optronics Co., Ltd.

- Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.

- Samsung SDI Germany GmbH

- Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad

- Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.

- LG Electronics, Inc.

- Technicolor S.A.

- Panasonic Corporation

- Toshiba Corporation

- MT Picture Display Co., Ltd.

relating to a proceeding under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the

European Union and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement

(COMP/39437 - TV and Computer Monitor Tubes)

(Only the English language text is authentic)

EN 1 EN

EN  2    EN 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 7 
 The industry subject to the proceedings ....................................................................... 7 
1.  The product .................................................................................................................. 7 
2.  The market players ....................................................................................................... 8 
2.1.  Undertakings subject to these proceedings .................................................................. 8 
2.1.1.  Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. .............................................................................. 8 
2.1.2.  Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. ................................................................................................ 9 
2.1.3.  Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. ......................................................................... 10 
2.1.4.  LG Electronics, Inc. ................................................................................................... 13 
2.1.5.  [Philips/LGE joint venture]. ....................................................................................... 14 
2.1.6.  Thomson S.A./Technicolor S.A. ................................................................................ 16 
2.1.7.  Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd./Panasonic Corporation ................................ 18 
2.1.8.  Toshiba Corporation ................................................................................................... 18 
2.1.9.  Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co. Ltd./ MT Picture Display Co., Ltd ............ 20 
2.1.10.Other suppliers of CRT .............................................................................................. 20 
3.  Description of the market ........................................................................................... 21 
3.1.  The supply .................................................................................................................. 21 
3.2.  The demand ................................................................................................................ 21 
3.3.  Inter-state trade ........................................................................................................... 22 
 Procedure .................................................................................................................... 22 
1.  The Commission's investigation ................................................................................ 22 
 Description on the events ........................................................................................... 25 
1.  CDT cartel .................................................................................................................. 25 
1.1.  Basic principles .......................................................................................................... 25 
1.2.  Organisation ............................................................................................................... 26 
2.  CPT cartel ................................................................................................................... 28 
2.1.  Basic principles .......................................................................................................... 28 
2.2.  Organisation ............................................................................................................... 28 
3.  The chronology of cartel events and evidence relating to specific meetings ............. 31 
3.1.  Initial years of the collusion ....................................................................................... 31 
3.2.  CDT cartel .................................................................................................................. 33 
3.2.1.  Period from 1996 to 1999 .......................................................................................... 33 
3.2.2.  Period from 2000 to 2003 .......................................................................................... 48 
3.2.3.  Period from 2004 to March 2006 ............................................................................... 60 

EN  3    EN 
3.3.  CPT cartel ................................................................................................................... 67 
3.3.1.  Early years – from 1997 to 1999 ................................................................................ 67 
3.3.2.  Middle period – from 2000 to 2003 ........................................................................... 89 
3.3.3.  Last phase – from 2004 to 2006 ............................................................................... 127 
3.4.  Assessment of parties' arguments on facts ............................................................... 142 
3.4.1.  Product scope of the CDT and CPT cartels ............................................................. 142 
3.4.2.  Geographic scope of the CPT cartel ......................................................................... 146 
3.4.3.  MTPD continuing the participation of Toshiba and Panasonic ............................... 166 
3.4.4.  Technicolor's participation in an overarching CPT cartel ........................................ 167 
3.4.5.  Role of bilateral contacts in the participation of the Japanese companies in the CPT 
cartel and parties' arguments on corporate statements ............................................. 170 
3.4.6.  Information exchange in the CPT cartel via contacts reported by Thomson ........... 174 
3.4.7.  Meetings relating to Turkey ..................................................................................... 177 
3.4.8.  Economic arguments on geographic and product scope of the CPT cartel and on an 
EU anti-dumping case .............................................................................................. 179 
 Application of Article 101 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement .... 183 
1.  The Treaty and EEA Agreement .............................................................................. 183 
1.1.  Relationship between the Treaty and the EEA Agreement ...................................... 183 
1.2.  Jurisdiction ............................................................................................................... 184 
1.2.1.  Principles and application to this case ..................................................................... 184 
1.2.2.  Assessment of parties' arguments ............................................................................ 185 
2.  Application of the relevant competition rules .......................................................... 188 
2.1.  Application of Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement
 .................................................................................................................................. 188 
2.2.  The nature of the infringement ................................................................................. 189 
2.2.1.  Agreements and concerted practices ........................................................................ 189 
2.2.2.  Single and continuous infringement......................................................................... 197 
2.3.  Restriction of competition ........................................................................................ 210 
2.3.1.  Restriction of competition in this case ..................................................................... 210 
2.3.2.  Assessment of parties' arguments ............................................................................ 213 
2.4.  Non-applicability of Article 101(3) of the Treaty and Article 53(3) of the EEA 
Agreement ................................................................................................................ 215 
2.5.  Effect upon trade between Member States and between EEA Contracting Parties . 215 
2.5.1.  Principles .................................................................................................................. 215 
2.5.2.  Application to this case ............................................................................................ 216 
 Addressees ................................................................................................................ 217 
1.  General principles .................................................................................................... 217 

EN  4    EN 
2.  Application to this case ............................................................................................ 222 
2.1.  Chunghwa ................................................................................................................ 222 
2.2.  Samsung ................................................................................................................... 224 
2.3.  Philips ....................................................................................................................... 228 
2.4.  LG Electronics ......................................................................................................... 237 
2.5.  [Philips/LGE joint venture] ...................................................................................... 241 
2.5.1.  The Commission's findings ...................................................................................... 241 
2.5.2.  Assessment and conclusion on Philips' and LGE's arguments ................................ 256 
2.6.  Thomson/Technicolor .............................................................................................. 281 
2.7.  Matsushita/Panasonic ............................................................................................... 281 
2.8.  Toshiba ..................................................................................................................... 282 
2.9.  MTPD ....................................................................................................................... 283 
2.9.1.  The Commission's findings ...................................................................................... 283 
2.9.2.  Assessment and conclusion on Panasonic's and Toshiba's arguments ..................... 287 
3.  Conclusion................................................................................................................ 298 
 Duration of the infringement .................................................................................... 300 
1.  Starting and end dates .............................................................................................. 300 
1.1.  CDT cartel ................................................................................................................ 300 
1.2.  CPT cartel ................................................................................................................. 301 
 Remedies .................................................................................................................. 305 
1.  Article 7 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 .................................................................. 305 
2.  Article 23(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 ........................................................... 305 
3.  Article 25 of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 ................................................................ 306 
4.  Calculation of the fines ............................................................................................ 307 
4.1.  Methodology for setting the fine amount ................................................................. 307 
4.2.  Determination of the value of sales .......................................................................... 307 
4.2.1.  Products concerned .................................................................................................. 307 
4.2.2.  Sales related to the infringement .............................................................................. 309 
4.2.3.  Identifying the value of Direct EEA Sales and Direct EEA Sales Through 
Transformed Products by place of delivery ............................................................. 315 
4.2.4.  Relevant year ............................................................................................................ 316 
4.2.5.  Calculation of the value of sales of the joint ventures ............................................. 318 
4.3.  Determination of the basic amount of the fine ......................................................... 323 
4.4.  Gravity ...................................................................................................................... 323 
4.4.1.  Nature ....................................................................................................................... 323 
4.4.2.  Combined market share ............................................................................................ 324 

EN  5    EN 
4.4.3.  Geographic scope ..................................................................................................... 324 
4.4.4.  Implementation ........................................................................................................ 324 
4.4.5.  Assessment of parties' arguments ............................................................................ 324 
4.4.6.  Conclusion on gravity .............................................................................................. 326 
4.5.  Duration .................................................................................................................... 326 
4.6.  The percentage to be applied for the additional amount .......................................... 328 
4.7.  Calculation and conclusion on basic amounts ......................................................... 328 
5.  Adjustments to the basic amounts of the fine .......................................................... 329 
5.1.  Aggravating circumstances ...................................................................................... 329 
5.2.  Mitigating circumstances ......................................................................................... 329 
5.2.1.  Substantially limited role and limited participation ................................................. 329 
5.2.2.  Non implementation of the cartels ........................................................................... 332 
5.2.3.  Absence of benefits .................................................................................................. 333 
5.2.4.  Effective co-operation outside the 2006 Leniency Notice ....................................... 333 
5.2.5.  Difficult economic situation ..................................................................................... 335 
5.2.6.  Investigation by national competition authorities in the EEA ................................. 335 
5.3.  Deterrence multiplier ............................................................................................... 336 
5.4.  Application of the 10% turnover limit ..................................................................... 337 
6.  Application of the 2006 Leniency Notice ................................................................ 337 
6.1.  Chunghwa ................................................................................................................ 338 
6.2.  Samsung ................................................................................................................... 340 
6.3.  Panasonic/MTPD ..................................................................................................... 343 
6.4.  Philips ....................................................................................................................... 347 
6.5.  Technicolor .............................................................................................................. 349 
6.6.  Conclusion on the application of the 2006 Leniency Notice ................................... 352 
7.  Ability to pay............................................................................................................ 354 
7.1.  Introduction .............................................................................................................. 354 
7.2.  [Party to the proceedings] ........................................................................................ 356 
8.  Conclusion: final amount of individual fines ........................................................... 356 

EN 6 EN

COMMISSION DECISION

of 5.12.2012

addressed to:

- Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd.

- Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.

- CPTF Optronics Co., Ltd.

- Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.

- Samsung SDI Germany GmbH

- Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad

- Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.

- LG Electronics, Inc.

- Technicolor S.A.

- Panasonic Corporation

- Toshiba Corporation

- MT Picture Display Co., Ltd.

relating to a proceeding under Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the

European Union and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement

(COMP/39437 - TV and Computer Monitor Tubes)

(Only the English language text is authentic)

THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION,

Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union,

Having regard to the Agreement on the European Economic Area,

Having regard to Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 of 16 December 2002 on the

implementation of the rules on competition laid down in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty

and in particular Article 7 and Article 23(2) thereof,

Having regard to the Commission decision of 23 November 2009 to initiate proceedings in

this case,

Having given the undertakings concerned the opportunity to make known their views on the

objections raised by the Commission pursuant to Article 27(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003

OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, p. 1. With effect from 1 December 2009, Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty have

become Articles 101 and 102 respectively of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ("the

Treaty"). The two sets of provisions are, in substance, identical. For the purposes of this Decision

references to Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty should be understood as references to Articles 81 and

82, respectively, of the Treaty where appropriate. The Treaty also introduced certain changes in

terminology, such as the replacement of "Community" by "Union" and "common market" by "inernal

market". The terminology of the Treaty will be used throughout this Decision.

EN 7 EN

and Article 12 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 773/2004 of 7 April 2004 relating to the

conduct of proceedings by the Commission pursuant to Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty

After consulting the Advisory Committee on Restrictive Practices and Dominant Positions,

Having regard to the final report of the hearing officer in this case

Whereas:

1. INTRODUCTION

(1) This Decision relates to two cartels concerning Colour Display Tubes ("CDT")

and Colour Picture Tubes ("CPT") that are used for computers and TVs

respectively.

2. THE INDUSTRY SUBJECT TO THE PROCEEDINGS

2.1. The product

(2) A Cathode Ray Tube (hereinafter "CRT") is an evacuated glass envelope

containing an electron gun and a fluorescent screen, usually with internal or

external means to accelerate and deflect the electrons. When electrons from the

electron gun strike the fluorescent screen, light is emitted creating an image on

the screen. The single electron beam can be processed in such a way as to

display moving pictures in natural colours.

(3) There are two distinct types of CRTs relevant for this case: (i) Colour Display

Tubes (hereinafter "CDT") used in computer monitors and (ii) Colour Picture

Tubes

(hereinafter "CPT") used for colour televisions. CPTs and CDTs cannot

normally be used interchangeably because television and monitor uses require

specialised and different resolution. The standard computer monitor requires a

higher resolution and contains more pixels than a standard CRT-based

television. Also, analogue television systems use a different scanning system.

(4) CDTs and CPTs are a single component that are combined by other firms (for

example so called integrators) with the chassis and other components necessary

to produce a monitor or a colour television.

Around 50-70% of the costs of

televisions and monitors are made up by the CRT.

(5) Neither CPTs nor CDTs are homogenous products. Each can be assembled in

different ways, or include attributes, that make the product better for certain

uses. Product variations include among other things flat and rounded screens.

Flat screens are more desirable and demand a higher price. There are also so

OJ L 123, 27.4.2004, p. 18.

OJ C 303/04 and C 303/05, 19.10.2013.

OJ C 303/06, 19.10.2013.

[…]

In some pieces of documentary evidence also alternatively referred to as CTV.

[…]

EN 8 EN

called glare and antiglare features

, the latter being more desirable and

allowing manufacturers to charge a higher price. Finally, so called bare tubes

and integrated tube components (ITC) represent another type of product

variation, where integrated tube components demand a higher price.

(6) CRTs come in a number of different sizes, expressed in inches

. Alternatively,

the different sizes are referred to as small, medium, large and jumbo.

CRTs

are large, deep, heavy and relatively fragile.

2.2. The market players

2.2.1. Undertakings subject to these proceedings

2.2.1.1. Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd.

(7) Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "Chunghwa Ltd.") is the ultimate

parent company of the Chunghwa Group. Its headquarters are located in

Taoyuan, Taiwan. Its largest shareholders are Chunghwa Electronics Investment

Co. [15-20%] and Tatung Company [10-15%]. The rest of the shares are in the

hands of the general public. Chunghwa Group’s main activities currently

include the manufacture and sale of CRTs, electron guns, deflection yokes,

TFT-LCD (Thin Film Transistor-Liquid Crystal Displays) panels, colour filters

and related materials, parts and components.

(8) Chunghwa Group manufactured and sold CDTs and CPTs in the period covered

by this Decision (see Recitals (986) and (1003) concerning the period). The

manufacture and sale of CRT products was accomplished by Chunghwa directly

and by its three subsidiaries: Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. in

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (hereinafter "CPTM"), CPTF Optronics Co., Limited

(hereinafter "CPTF") in Fuzhou, China and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (U.K.)

Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "CPT UK") in Mossend, United Kingdom. Chunghwa

Group sold CRT products to customers within the EEA.

CPT UK has gone out

of the business.

(9) CPTM is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chunghwa Ltd.. Chunghwa Ltd. owns

CPTM through a wholly owned intermediary holding company, Chunghwa

Picture Tubes (Bermuda) Ltd. CPTM manufactured and sold CPTs throughout

the period covered by this Decision and CDTs until 2003.

(10) Until 2000 CPTF was 100% owned by Chunghwa Ltd. (indirectly through other

subsidiaries: Chunghwa PT (Labuan) Ltd. and Chunghwa Picture Tubes

(Bermuda) Ltd.). In 2000 and 2001 Chunghwa Ltd. held [90-95%] of the CPTF

For both television and monitor applications, a reduced amount of glare is desirable, as it makes the

picture easier to see or the text and graphics easier to view. To control glare, an antiglare feature called

MPR II is used. Other tubes utilize other antiglare features. […]

[…]

CPT sizes include 14” (inches), 15”, 17”, 19”, 21”, 24”, 28”, 29”, 32” and 34”. CDTs come in sizes

such as 14”, 17”, 19”, 20” and 21”. […]

[…]

Chunghwa does not produce monitors or televisions. […]

[…]

EN 9 EN

shares (through Chunghwa PT (Labuan) Ltd. –[10-15%] and Chunghwa Picture

Tubes (Bermuda) Ltd. – [80-85%] and since 2002 Chunghwa Ltd. has

owned[85-90%] of the shares in CPTF (through Chunghwa PT (Labuan) Ltd. –

[10-15%] and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Bermuda) Ltd. – [75-80%], the rest of

the shares being owned by minority investors. CPTF manufactured and sold

CPTs since 2006 and CDTs since 1998.

(11) CPT UK was a Europe-based wholly owned subsidiary of Chunghwa Ltd., located

in Mossend, Lanarkshire, Scotland. Chunghwa Ltd. opened a plant in UK in

October 1997 and closed it in November 2002, although sales continued into

early 2003. CPT UK primarily manufactured and sold CPTs from 1998 until

2003 and also had small quantities of CDT sales.

(12) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies of the Chunghwa

Group which participated in, or bear liability for, the cartel(s), will be referred

to as "Chunghwa". The individuals representing Chunghwa in the contacts with

competitors described in this Decision are identified in […].

2.2.1.2. Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.

(13) Samsung SDI Co., Ltd (hereinafter "Samsung SDI") is the ultimate parent

company of Samsung SDI Group and it was incorporated in 1970 initially as

Samsung-NEC Co. Ltd. The company was listed on the Korea Stock Exchange

in January 1979. In 1984, it was renamed Samsung Display Device Co., Ltd.,

and in November 1999, the company changed its name to Samsung SDI Co.,

Ltd.

Samsung SDI's largest shareholder is Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

(hereinafter "SEC") with 19,68% of shares, the rest of the shares being

distributed between numerous stock exchange investors.

(14) Samsung SDI Group is a global company active in display and energy products.

Samsung operates Plasma Display Panel, CRT, Mobile Display and Battery

Divisions.

Samsung SDI Group was also selling CRTs to its largest

shareholder SEC.

(15) In the period covered by this Decision Samsung SDI Group manufactured and

sold CRTs in the EEA directly (CPTs and CDTs manufactured in Busan and

Suwon) or via the following subsidiaries: [Samsung SDI's subsidiary] (CPTs);

[Samsung SDI's subsidiary] (CPTs); Samsung SDI Germany GmbH (CPTs);

Samsung SDI Hungary Ltd. (CPTs); Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. (CPTs

and CDTs); Samsung SDI Mexico S.A. de C.V. (CPTs) and Samsung SDI

Brasil Ltd. (CDTs).

[…]Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Bermuda) Ltd. is […] owned by Chunghwa and Chunghwa PT (Labuan)

Ltd. is [40-45%] owned by Chunghwa and [55-60%] owned by Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Bermuda)

Ltd […].

[…]

Samsung SDI web-site under frequently asked questions (FAQ), investor relations (IR):

http://www.samsungsdi.com/f_faq_list.sdi?category=IA&pageNo=1&post=E&key=title&keyword=&p

ageNo=1#

[…]

EN 10 EN

(16) All the entities referred to in Recital (15) except for Shenzen Samsung SDI Co.,

Ltd., Tianjin Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. and Samsung Samsung SDI Malaysia Sdn.,

Bhd. were wholly owned by companies from Samsung SDI Group throughout

the period covered by this Decision. Specifically, the ownership was either

directly by Samsung SDI or together with or via one of its wholly owned (or

almost wholly owned) subsidiaries.

Shenzen Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. and

Tianjin Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. were owned by another indirectly wholly owned

Samsung SDI subsidiary, Samsung SDI Ltd. Hong Kong and by local Chinese

companies.

In the years 1996 to 2006 Samsung SDI Malaysia Sdn., Bhd. was

owned by Samsung SDI, Samsung Corporation and SAPL (Samsung Asia Pte.

Ltd., sales subsidiary of Samsung Electronics).

Samsung SDI Germany GmbH

stopped production in December 2005 and Samsung SDI Hungary Ltd. ceased

CRT production in November 2007.

(17) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies of the Samsung SDI

Group which participated in, or bear liability for, the cartel(s) will be referred to

as "Samsung" or "SDI". The individuals representing Samsung in the contacts

with competitors described in this Decision are identified in […].

2.2.1.3. Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.

(18) Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.

("KPE N.V.") is the ultimate holding

company of the Philips Group. The Philips Group is active in electronic

products in various sectors including healthcare, lighting and consumer

electronics.

KPE N.V. employes the highest levels of management within the

group, namely the Board of Management and the Group Management

Committee, including the [manager] of the Product Division Components

("PDC"), which held decision/ management responsibilities in relation to

CRTs.

(19) The business activities of the Philips Group were organised into several Product

Divisions until 30 June 2001. One of those Product Divisions was the PDC

which encompassed various Philips components businesses, organised in

Business Groups. Until 30 June 2001 the entire CRT business of the Philips

For example, Samsung SDI Germany GmbH was 100% owned by Samsung SDI […]

[…]

During the proceedings, the Commission asked the representatives of the Philips Group to specify the

name of its holding company. The reply given was Royal Philips Electronics N.V. […] This name was

also used in some of the replies provided to the Commission […]. During the meeting with the case

team on 17 November 2011 Philips noted that the name Royal Philips Electronics N.V. did not refer to

any company. In response to the Commission's Request for Information of 21 February 2012, Philips

clarified that the name of the holding company of the Philips Group as set out in its articles of

association is Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. and that "Royal Philips Electronics" is its

international trade name. Philips also confirmed that any of their previous reference to "Royal Philips

Electronics N.V" referred to Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. […]

[…]

EN 11 EN

Group was organised in the Business Group Display Components ("BGDC").

It was the largest business unit within PDC of the Philips Group.

(20) Until 30 June 2001, all the legal entities of the Philips Group's CRT business were

part of BGDC and PDC

, including the following companies: Philips

Components International B.V., Philips Components B.V., Philips Nederland

B.V., Philips Electronics Nederland B.V., Philips Innovative Applications N.V.,

Philips Do Brasil Ltda., Philips Electronic Industries (Taiwan) Ltd., Philips

Taiwan Ltd., Philips Electronics Korea Ltd., and [CRT producer]. All those

companies were directly or indirectly wholly owned by KPE N.V., with the

exception of [CRT producer], in which Philips held a […] majority share and

[…]

(the rest being owned by [companies located in non EU/EEA territory]).

The BGDC was further subdivided in the following units: Product & Process

Development, Equipment Engineering Department and New Display

Technologies, Region Europe, Region Asia Pacific, Region South America,

Region North America.

The PDC was dissolved in January 2003.

(21) Philips Components International B.V. was wholly owned by KPE N.V. It

employed the [management] and provided support for the entire PDC

.[…]

(22) Philips Components B.V. was a wholly owned subsidiary of […] Philips

Electronics Netherland B.V., which was wholly owned by KPE N.V.

supported the [manager] for […] CRT business and dealt with functions like

R&D and sales of CRT products […]. In relation to the CRT activities the

individuals within Philips Components B.V. reported to [manager]. The global

management functions of the BGDC (for example, global Finance, HR, etc.)

were also dealt with by this entity

(23) Philips Nederland B.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of Philips Electronics

Nederland B.V., was incorporated in the Netherlands on 20 December 2001. Its

statutory aim was trade of electric, electronic, mechanic, chemical and other

products and systems produced by it and by other companies within Philips

Group. KPE N.V. is currently active as a holding company involved in asset

management and has no employees.

(24) Philips Electronics Nederland B.V., was a wholly owned subsidiary of KPE N.V.

throughout the period between 1997 and 2001.

(25) Philips Innovative Applications N.V., a wholly owned subsidiary of KPE N.V.,

was first established in Belgium in 1983 in the form of a limited company for an

[…]

EN 12 EN

unlimited time period. Its main activity was the development, construction,

installation and sale of various technical and electronic products.

(26) Philips Do Brasil Ltda., a wholly owned subsidiary of KPE N.V, was in the period

between 1997 and 2001 […] which supported the [manager] for […] CRT

business. It dealt with production, R&D and sales of CPT products. Individuals

within Philips Do Brasil Ltda reported to the [manager] and subsequently to the

[manager] on CRT activities. The functions of [manager] and [manager] ceased

to exist in 2000 and were replaced by the [manager].

(27) Philips Electronic Industries (Taiwan) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of KPE

N.V., was […] which supported the [manager]. This entity and its subsidiaries

dealt with CDT products (sales, production, etc.). Philips Taiwan Ltd. was a

subsidiary of Philips Electronis Industries (Taiwan) Ltd. and dealt with sales

and marketing for various product divisions, including PDC and in particular

CDTs. Individuals within these entities reported to [manager] on CRT

activities

. Philips Electronic Industries (Taiwan) Ltd. owned 100% of the

shares of Philips Taiwan Ltd. Philips Electronic Industries (Taiwan) Ltd. was

dissolved as of 8 March 2010 […].

(28) Philips Electronics Korea Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of KPE N.V., was […]

which supported the [manager] for the […] CRT business and which dealt with

sales of CDT products in Korea and had other local support tasks. Individuals

within this entity reported to the [manager] on CRT activities

(29) [CRT producer] was incorporated on [date]. From […] until around […] a wholly

owned subsidiary of KPE N.V., held […] of the shares in [CRT producer].

or around […] the shares held in [CRT producer] were transferred to […],

which was a wholly owned subsidiary of […]. On […] all the shares of […]

were transferred to KPE N.V., which subsequently transferred the shares of […]

to the [Philips/LGE joint venture] on […]. [CRT producer] was […] which

supported [manager] for the CRT business […]. It dealt with production and

sales of CPT products […]. Individuals within this entity reported to the

[manager] on CRT activities

(30) In the period between 1997 and July 2001, Philips Group manufactured both

CPTs and CDTs in factories around the world. Philips Group supplied some

CRTs it produced to intra-group companies (mainly Philips Consumer

Electronics) for production of TV sets. The remaining production was sold to

customers in Europe and Asia.

In the period from 1995 to 2001 the following

wholly owned subsidiaries of KPE N.V. sold both CPTs and CDTs in the EEA:

Philips Nederland B.V. (the Netherlands); Philips Components B.V. (the

Netherlands); Philips Iberica S.A. (Spain); Divisione della Philips S. p. A.

[…]

[…] Unless otherwise mentioned in recitals (26)-(30), the information of Philips Group companies'

structure concerns period between 1997 and July 2001.

[…]

EN 13 EN

(Italy); Philips Components AB (Sweden); Philips Components A/S (Denmark);

Philips Electronics UK Ltd. (United Kingdom); Compagnie Française Philips

SAS (France) and Philips GmbH (Germany).

(31) On 1 July 2001 Philips transferred its CRT business to a newly created joint

venture under the company [Philips/LGE joint venture] (hereinafter

"[Philips/LGE joint venture]", see Section 2.2.1.5).

(32) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies belonging to the

Philips Group which participated in, or bear liability for, the cartels are referred

to as "Philips" or "Philips Group". The individuals representing Philips in the

contacts with competitors described in this Decision are identified in […].

2.2.1.4. LG Electronics, Inc.

(33) LG Electronics, Inc. (“LGE Inc.”), formerly GoldStar (1958 to 1995), is a

Korean-based publicly traded company that manufactures and sells electronics,

information and communication products in various countries around the world.

LGE Inc's shares are publicly quoted on the Korean stock exchange. LGE Inc’s

largest shareholder is LG Corporation which, as of 31 December 2007, owned

[30-35%] of its total stock. The remaining shares are owned by financial

institutions, foreign investors and general public.

(34) Until 1 July 2001, LGE Inc. and its indirectly wholly owned subsidiary LG

Electronics Wales Ltd. (United Kingdom) manufactured and sold CPTs and

CDTs. PT LG Electronics Display Device Indonesia (now named PT LG

Electronics Indonesia Ltd.), a wholly owned subsidiary of LGE Inc., and […] a

joint venture company in which LGE Inc. held a stake of […] with the

remaining shares being held by [companies located in non EU/EEA territory],

manufactured and sold CPTs.

LG MITR Electronics Co., Ltd., which has now

merged into LG Electronics Thailand Co., Ltd., LGE Singapore and LGE

Taiwan are wholly owned subsidiaries of LGE Inc.

(35) LGE Inc. and certain subsidiaries of it are active in markets for TV sets and

computer monitors which have CRTs included in them

. LGE Inc. also

purchased CRTs from the above subsidiaries (see Recital (34))

(36) On 1 July 2001, LGE Inc. transferred its CRT business into the joint venture

company [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] (see Section 2.2.1.5).

Throughout the period covered by this Decision, LGE Inc. used CRTs to

manufacture colour TV sets and computer monitors.

(37) LGE Inc. did not respond to the Commission question as to which of the entities

in Recital (34) had sales to the EEA and in what quantities, referring to the fact

[…]

[…] Information available from 1998.

[…]

EN 14 EN

that relevant documents were transferred to the joint venture company,

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company].

(38) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies belonging to the LGE

Group which participated in the cartels, or bear liability, are referred to as

“LGE” or “LGE Group”. The individuals representing LGE in the contacts

with competitors described in this Decision are identified in […].

2.2.1.5. [Philips/LGE joint venture].

(39) By an agreement of 11 June 2001, which took effect on 1 July 2001, KPE N.V.

and LGE Inc. merged their respective CRT businesses into a joint venture,

under the company [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] […]

,forming

the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group. Philips and LGE contributed their

respective businesses of CRTs and CRT components (used to manufacture

CRTs) to the joint venture. The creation of the joint venture was approved by

the Commission on 9 April 2001.

(40) [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] was the holding company for the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] which manufactured and sold both CPTs and CDTs

via numerous subsidiaries located in Europe, Asia and the Americas..

(41) From 19 March until 26 June 2001, Philips held […] shares in the company that

was to become the joint venture. From 26 June 2001, the shares in the joint

venture were held by KPE N.V. ([35-40%]) and its wholly owned subsidiary

Philips GmbH from Germany ([5-10%], altogether [50-55%] plus 1 share for

Philips Group) and by LGE Inc. ([35-40%]) and LGE Inc.'s wholly owned

subsidiary LG Electronics Wales Ltd. ([10-15%], altogether [45-50%] less 1

share for LGE Group). In 2003, LGE Inc. increased its shareholding to [40-

45%] and decreased the shareholding of its subsidiary to [5-10%]. From the

second quarter of 2004, [50-55% plus 1 share] were held by KPE N.V. and [45-

50 % less 1 share by LG Electronics Wales Ltd.

(42) [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] filed for bankruptcy […] in January

2006. On […], [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] was officially

declared bankrupt.

Thereafter, between February 2006 and July 2006, certain

other companies in the [Philips/LGE joint venture] were declared bankrupt.

Following a restructuring in 2006, shortly before the bankruptcy, [Philips/LGE

joint venture's parent company] transferred its shares in [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiary] to [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], a company

wholly-owned by [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company]. After the

bankruptcy judgment against [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company],

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] was renamed [Philips/LGE joint

venture's holding company] and became the holding company for all viable

[…]

See the Commission Decision in case COMP/M.2263 – Philips/ LG Electronics/ JV, OJ C180,

26.06.2001, p. 16.

For the complete corporate structure of [Philips/LGE joint venture] at its creation […].

[…]

EN 15 EN

companies of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group that continued to operate.

[Philips/LGE joint venture's holding company] was declared bankrupt […].

(43) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] was a (directly and indirectly) wholly

owned subsidiary of [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]

[Philips/LGE

joint venture's subsidiary] employed the members of the Board of Directors of

[Philips/LGE joint venture parent company]. [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] and [Philips/LGE joint venture parent company] signed a

management service agreement on […] on the basis of which operational

management of [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group was carried out by

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]. After the bankruptcy of [Philips/LGE

joint venture's parent company], its side in the management services contract

was taken over by [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary].

On […],

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] entered into voluntary liquidation.

(44) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] was an indirect […] subsidiary of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]. [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] (declared bankrupt […]) and [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary](declared bankrupt […]) each held […] of the shares in

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]. [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] owned […] [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiaries]. […]

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] has de facto ceased all activities and is

essentially bankrupt. A [manager] has been appointed by a local District

Court.

(45) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] was a wholly owned subsidiary of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]. In […], the shares in [Philips/LGE

joint venture's subsidiary] were sold to […].

(46) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], a wholly owned subsidiary of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], was declared bankrupt […] at its

own request.

(47) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] is a wholly owned subsidiary of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]. It was incorporated after the

bankruptcy judgement to take over the assets and activities […] of [Philips/LGE

joint venture's subsidiary]. By an agreement […] the [officer] sold and delivered

the respective assets.

(48) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]

was a (directly and indirectly) wholly

owned subsidiary of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company]. In […], a

decision was taken to liquidate it since [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]

no longer carried out any business activities.

[…]

EN 16 EN

(49) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] was a wholly owned subsidiary of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company].

It was liquidated in […].

(50) After July 2001, [CPT producer] was a […] owned subsidiary of [Philips/LGE

joint venture's subsidiary]. The other shareholders were [companies located in

non EU/EEA territory]. [CPT producer] ceased all its activities […]. On […] it

was declared bankrupt and it is currently being wound up.

(51) [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] [non EU/EEA territory] was a […] owned

subsidiary of [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] Its other shareholders

were [companies located in non EU/EEA territory]. In […] the [officer] sold the

[…] share interest in this company to a new buyer [CRT producer] with a

registered office in the […].

(52) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies belonging to the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group which participated in the cartels will be

referred to as "[Philips/LGE joint venture]" or "[Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group". The individuals representing [Philips/LGE joint venture] in the

contacts with competitors described in this Decision are identified […].

2.2.1.6. Thomson S.A./Technicolor S.A.

(53) Thomson S.A. (hereinafter "Thomson" or, following the 2010 change of the

name, "Technicolor"

) is the ultimate parent company of a worldwide group of

companies active in technology, services and systems to communication, media

and entertainment industries.

(54) Thomson was incorporated in 1985 in France

and until end of 1997 was wholly

owned by the French State. The company through which the French State

owned its interest in Thomson was first called Thomson S.A. and was renamed

TSA in 2002. Beginning in 1998, the French State began reducing its

shareholding in the group with 70% of shares, reduced to 51,73% in 1999 (in

stock exchange); 37,98% in 2000 and 2001; 20,81% in 2002. In the years 2003

to 2006 the French State held between 1,93 and 2,03% of shares in Thomson

and, by 1 March 2007, held approximately 1,92% of Thomson's share capital.

(55) Thomson was active in the production and sale of CPTs and components for

CPTs.

Some of the CPTs manufactured by Thomson were used in-house by

Thomson's TV set manufacturing business.

(56) Among Thomson's numerous subsidiaries active in the CPT business located

around the world (United States, Mexico and China

), three had CPT sales in

[…]

Thomson Consumer Electronics changed its name to Thomson Multimedia S.A. in 1995. Thomson

Multimedia S.A. changed its name to Thomson S.A. in 2002 […]. Thomson S.A. changed its name to

Technicolor S.A. in 2010 […].

[…]

EN 17 EN

the EEA during the period from 1995 to 2007. First, Thomson Polkolor Sp. z

o.o. (in 2003 its name was changed to Thomson Multimedia Polska Sp. z o.o.

)

in Poland; second, Videocolor SpA in Italy

. Those two entities were directly

wholly owned by Thomson Tubes & Displays SA

(hereinafter "TTD"), a

company incorporated […] in which Thomson owned 100% of the shares

Both manufactured, sold and purchased CPTs. Thomson Polkolor Sp. z o.o. sold

CPTs to customers in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.

Videocolor SpA sold CPTs to Italian customers. TTD was a third company that

had EEA sales of CPTs and acted as a trading company. TTD sold CPTs and

invoiced customers in the rest of Europe.

(57) During the period covered by this Decision (see Recital (1003) for the period), the

CPT business was part of Thomson's Displays and Components Strategic

Business Unit. From 1995 to September 2001, the CPT business was organised

in two regions: Americas (North America and Latin America) and Europe (in

1999, Asia was added to Europe). With effect from 1 October 2001, the two

regional divisions were merged into one with a single sales and marketing

organisation.

(58) […] Videocolor SpA was sold to [CRT producer], a company wholly owned by

the [entity located in non EU/EEA territory]. Following the sales process

launched in […], Thomson concluded a second transaction with [CRT

producer], including sales of its CPT production facilities in Mexico, Poland

and China to [CRT producer], thereby completely divesting its CPT business.

By […] the transaction was completed.

(59) In early 2009, Thomson undertook negotiations with its creditors regarding the

restructuring of its debts. An agreement was signed with the majority of its

senior creditors in July 2009, which expired in November 2009. Thomson

requested from the Commercial Court of Nanterre the opening of a protective

bankruptcy proceeding for the benefit of the holding company, which carries

most of the debt of the group. That proceeding was opened on 30 November

2009

. On 27 January 2010, an extraordinary shareholder meeting of Thomson

approved the change of the company name to Technicolor S.A. On 17 February

2010, the Commercial Court of Nanterre approved the restructuring plan, which

will last seven years, bringing an end to the protective bankruptcy proceeding

(60) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies of the Thomson group

which participated in the cartel(s), or bear liability, will be referred to as

"Thomson". The individuals representing Thomson in the contacts with

competitors described in this Decision are identified […].

[…]

[…]After 1 May 2001 "the rest of Europe" included Italy.

[…]

In addition, on 16 December 2009, Thomson filed for bankruptcy protection at a New York bankruptcy

court to protect its U.S. assets from creditors. The bankruptcy Judge granted a provisional stay.

[…]

EN 18 EN

2.2.1.7. Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd./Panasonic Corporation

(61) Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "MEI" or, following change

of the name, "Panasonic") is the ultimate parent company of a group of

companies producing various electronic and electrical products which the group

manufactures and markets under brand names Panasonic, National, Technics

and Quasar.

On 1 October 2008, MEI changed its company name to Panasonic

Corporation .

(62) Companies in the MEI group have been in the period covered by this Decision

(see Recital (1003) for the period) manufacturing and selling CRTs (both CDTs

and CPTs) around the world. Until the fiscal year 2000, the CRT business was

part of one of MEI's wholly owned subsidiaries, Matsushita Eletronics

Corporation (hereinafter "MEC"), located in Osaka, Japan. In April 2001, MEC

merged with MEI and since then MEI has been engaged in CRT business

directly.

(63) MEI exited the CDT business in fiscal year 2001,

but continued in the CPT

business. Until the fiscal year 2000, the CPTs sold in the EEA were

manufactured by the CRT division of MEC (Takatsuki and Utsunomiya

factories in Japan and EMEC in Germany). During that time, sales of CPTs in

the EEA were handled by Panasonic Industrial UK Ltd. (UK) and Panasonic

Industrial Europe GmbH (Germany). During fiscal years 2001 and 2002, the

CPTs sold in the EEA were manufactured by the CRT division of MEI (Japan,

Germany, United States) and the sales of CPTs in the EEA were handled by

Panasonic Industrial Europe GmbH.

(64) On 31 March 2003, MEI transferred all

100

of its CRT business to a joint venture

company Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co. Ltd (hereinafter "MTPD", see

Section 2.2.1.9).

101

(65) MEI manufactures and sells TV sets through Panasonic AVC Networks Company.

MEI also sold PC monitors in Europe until 2001.

102

(66) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies of the MEI group

which participated in, or bear liability for, the cartel(s), will be referred to as

"MEI" or since the 2008 change of the name as "Panasonic" prior to creation of

the joint venture MTPD. The individuals representing MEI in the contacts with

competitors described in this Decision are identified[…].

2.2.1.8. Toshiba Corporation

(67) Toshiba Corporation (hereinafter "Toshiba") is a manufacturer and marketer of

electronic and electrical products, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Toshiba was

[…]

See: http://www.panasonic.net/brand.

[…]

100

[…]

101

[…]

102

[…]

EN 19 EN

founded in 1875 and today it operates a global network of more than 670

companies worldwide.

103

(68) Toshiba has been involved in the production and sale of CPTs and CDTs directly

and through numerous subsidiaries located in Europe, Asia and North America

including [CRT producers] and Toshiba Electronics Europe GmbH.

104

(69) [CRT producer], later renamed […], abbreviated in the documents either as […]

or as […]) was a joint venture amongst Toshiba, [CRT producers]. Toshiba

owned […]

105

of the shares in [CRT producer]. They were transferred to MTPD

in June 2003. [CRT producer] was […] MT Picture Display Indonesia

(hereinafter "MTPDI") in September 2003. It was dissolved in September 2007

and is being liquidated.

106

[CRT producer] was a joint venture between Toshiba

and [CRT producer] and it was transferred to MTPD in June 2003. It was

dissolved in July 2006 and is currently being liquidated.

107

Toshiba Electronics

Europe (hereinafter "TEE") was incorporated in 1987 and is the European

Headquarters for the electronic components business of Toshiba located in

Düsseldorf (Germany). TEE is wholly owned by Toshiba Europe GmbH

(hereinafter "TEG"), which in turn is Toshiba's wholly owned subsidiary. TEE

was Toshiba's exclusive distributor of both CPTs and CDTs in the EEA during

the period between 1995 and 31 March 2003.

108

(70) During the period in which TEE dealt with CRTs (and for a period thereafter)

some Toshiba entities, to which TEE sold CRTs in the EEA, were involved in

the manufacture of products incorporating CRTs, in the distribution of such

products or in both. For instance, Toshiba Information Systems (UK) Limited

(hereinafter "TIU") manufactured and sold CRT TV sets, whereas TEG and

Toshiba Systèmes France (hereinafter "TSF") sold CRT TV sets.

109

(71) TEE exited the market for CDTs in 2003, making its last sales in the first half of

2003. It exited the market for CPTs in 2004, with its last sale in July 2004.

110

(72) Toshiba transferred its CRT business into the joint venture called Matsushita

Toshiba Picture Display Co. Ltd. on 31 March 2003 (see Section 2.2.1.9).

111

(73) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies of the Toshiba

Corporation which participated in, or bear liability for, the cartel(s) will be

referred to as "Toshiba" prior to the creation of the joint venture MTPD. The

individuals representing Toshiba in the contacts with competitors described in

this Decision are identified […].

103

See: www.toshiba.co.jp.

104

[…]

105

Originally Toshiba submitted that P.T. Toshiba Display Devices Indonesia was 100% owned by

Toshiba prior to transfer to MTPD on 31 March 2003, […], but afterwards explained that it was a joint

venture […]

106

[…]

107

[…]

108

[…]

109

[…]

110

[…]

111

[…]

EN 20 EN

2.2.1.9. Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co. Ltd./ MT Picture Display Co., Ltd

(74) On 26 September 2002 MEI and Toshiba reached an agreement to integrate both

companies' CRT operations and in March 2003 they created a joint venture

named Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display Co., Ltd. ("MTPD", see Recital

(64)). MEI and Toshiba transferred their respective CRT operations to the joint

venture on 31 March 2003. MTPD was 64,5% owned by MEI and 35,5% by

Toshiba until 31 March 2007 when Toshiba's interest was transferred to MEI.

At that date, MTPD became a wholly owned subsidiary of MEI and changed its

name to MT Picture Display Co., Ltd (also referred to as "MTPD").

112

(75) From its creation in March 2003, MTPD produced and sold CPTs.

113

The last

CPT sales by MTPD in the EEA took place in fiscal year 2006. MTPD never

manufactured CDTs but it did sell a small amount of CDTs outside the EEA,

which were all of MEI's stock sales.

114

Sales in the EEA were primarily made

by MT Picture Display Germany (hereinafter "MTPDG"). In addition, a

number of CPTs manufactured in Japan, the United States and Southeast Asia

were sold in the EEA. The legal entities that were involved in those sales were:

MTPD, MT Picture Display Malaysia (hereinafter "MTPDM"), MT Picture

Display Thailand (hereinafter "MTPDT"), MT Picture Display Indonesia

("MTPDI"), MT Picture Display America (Ohio) (hereinafter "MTPDAO")

and MT Picture Display America (New York) (hereinafter "MTPDAN").

115

All

those wholly owned subsidiaries of MTPD gradually closed down in 2006 and

2007 (and the shares in MTPDG were sold to third parties on 1 July 2007) and

both MTPD and MEI have ceased production and sale of CRTs.

116

(76) In this Decision, and unless otherwise specified, companies of the MTPD group

which participated in, or bear liability for, the cartel(s), will be referred to as

"MTPD". The individuals representing MTPD in the contacts with competitors

described in this Decision are identified […].

2.2.1.10. Other suppliers of CRT

(77) [other suppliers of CRT]

117

(78) [other suppliers of CRT]

118

(79) [other suppliers of CRT]

119

(80) [other suppliers of CRT]

120121

(81) [other suppliers of CRT]

122

(82) [other suppliers of CRT]

123

112

[…]

113

[…]

114

Fiscal year 2006 ended on March 31, 2007. […]

115

[…]

116

[…]

117

[…]

118

[…]

119

[…]

120

[…]

121

[…]

122

[…]

EN 21 EN

(83) [other suppliers of CRT]

124

(84) [other suppliers of CRT]

125

2.3. Description of the market

2.3.1. The supply

(85) The geographic scope of the CRT business (both for CDTs and CPTs) is

worldwide. During the time period of the cartels (see Recitals (986) and

(1003)), the major suppliers and customers were present in each of the principal

economic regions of the world and operated on a global basis. The CRT

business is a process industry with high fixed costs and major investments are

involved with the production lines which each have a fixed capacity and are

normally in operation 7 days a week. There is a certain seasonality to the sales:

around 40% of the sales occur in the first half of the year and the remaining

60% in the second half of the year.

126

2.3.2. The demand

(86) CPT customers are TV manufacturers and CDT customers are monitor makers

manufacturers (not computer manufacturers). During the infringement period,

CPT customers included TV manufacturers such as Aiwa Co. Ltd. (Aiwa),

Thomson Consumer Electronics (TCE), Orion, Sharp Roxy Electronics Corp.

(SREC), Funai Electric Co., Ltd (Funai), Grundig AG (Grundig), Victor

Company of Japan Ltd. (JVC), Sanyo Electronics (Sanyo), Thomson, Philips,

Samsung, LGE, Daewoo electronics Corp. (Daewoo), Sony, Mitsubishi Electric

Corporation (Mitsubishi), Vestel Electronics (Vestel) and Mivar di Carlo Vichi

E C. s.a.s. (Mivar).

127

The six largest CDT customers were Samsung Electronics

(SEC), AOE International (AOC), Philips, EMC Corporation (EMC) and Lite-

On Computer Technology (Lite-On). Other, smaller CDT customers included

BenQ Corporation (Ben-Q), Compal Electronics, Inc. (Compal), Delta

Electronics Inc. (Delta), Tatung Company (Tatung), Hyundai Group (Hyundai),

Hansol Corporation (Hansol), Nokia Corporation (Nokia) and Tecnimagen SA

(Tecnimagen). In addition, until LCD became the dominant product for

computer monitors, there were several important Japanese CDT customers,

including Fujitsu Limited (Fujitsu), Iiyama Corporation (Iyama), Eizo Nanao

Corporation (Nanao), Sony, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, MEI and Totoku Electric Co.,

Ltd. (Totoku).

128

(87) The CRT technology was dominant for both computer monitors and TVs in the

second half of the 1990s. However, beginning around the year 2000, the

demand for CRTs started to slow down due to the introduction of alternative

technologies (LCD and PDP)

129

). This ultimately resulted in over-capacity for

both CPTs and CDTs which in turn led to a sharp fall in prices. Especially in

123

[…]

124

[…]

125

[…]

126

[…]

127

[…]

128

[…]

129

Liquid Crystal Displays and Plasma Display Panels.

EN 22 EN

Europe, sales of CRTs have been falling each year as consumers replaced their

TVs and computer monitors with LCD and plasma screens.

130

(88) In 2005, the last full year of the cartel, the worldwide market

131

for CDTs

amounted to some EUR 1 100 million. The value of the sales of CDTs made in

the EEA in 2005 totalled approximately EUR 19 million. The corresponding

figures for 2003 were EUR 2 250 million and EUR 69 million and for 2001

EUR 3 650 million and EUR 300 million, respectively.

(89) In 2005, the last full year of the cartel, the worldwide market for CPTs amounted

to some EUR 5 500 million. The value of the sales of CPTs made in the EEA in

2005 totalled approximately EUR 831 million

132

. The corresponding figures for

2003 were EUR 6 250 million and EUR 1 681 million and for 2001 EUR 6 000

million and EUR 1 890 million, respectively.

2.3.3. Inter-state trade

(90) During the cartel period (see Recitals (986) and (1003)), the participants sold

CRTs produced in Germany, the United Kingdom, Austria, Spain, France,

Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, as well as in Korea, Taiwan, China,

Japan and elsewhere to customers established in numerous Member States and

in the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement. Therefore, during the cartel

period, there were important trade flows of CRTs between Member States and

between the Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement.

3. PROCEDURE

3.1. The Commission's investigation

(91) Following its application for a marker of 9 March 2007

133

, Chunghwa submitted,

on 23 March 2007, an […] application for immunity from fines under the

Commission notice on Immunity from fines and reduction of fines in cartel

cases (hereinafter “the 2006 Leniency Notice”)

134

. The application was

subsequently supplemented […]

135

. On 24 September 2007, Chunghwa was

granted conditional immunity

136

(92) On 8 and 9 November 2007, inspections under Article 20(4) of Regulation (EC)

No 1/2003

137

were carried out at the premises of [legal entity]

138

and [legal

130

[…]

131

The Commission has calculated the aggregate market values for CDT and CPT in 2001, 2003 and 2005

both worldwide and in the EEA on the basis of the sales figures it has obtained from undertakings

subject to the investigations in this case.

132

[…] [A]s concerns televisions, in 2003, CRTs comprised 95% of the worldwide market. In 2006, some

75% of all televisions sold worldwide contained a CRT. In Europe, CRT models made up 80-90% of

the volume of televisions sold at Christmas in 2004 and only 15-20% one year later. At the end of 2006,

CRT televisions were estimated to account for less than 5% of all the televisions sold in Europe […].

133

The marker was granted to Chunghwa on 12 March 2007.

134

OJ C 298 of 8.12.2006, p. 17.

135

[…]

136

[…]

137

OJ L 1, 4.1.2003, pp. 1-25.

138

[…]

EN 23 EN

entity]. The inspection […] found at [legal entity] continued at the

Commission's premises on 6 and 7 December 2007

139

(93) Between 8 November 2007

140

and 2 July 2009, the Commission's requests for

information pursuant to Article 18(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003

or pursuant

to Point 12 of the 2006 Leniency Notice were sent to all main CRT producers.

(94) On 11 November 2007, Samsung filed a leniency application pursuant to the 2006

Leniency Notice which was followed by subsequent submissions […].

(95) On 12 November 2007, MEI and all its subsidiaries filed a leniency application

pursuant to the 2006 Leniency Notice which was followed by subsequent

submissions […].

(96) On 16 November 2007, [party to the proceedings] reported a telephone call from

an employee of [party to the proceedings] to one [party to the proceedings']

employee, thereby alleging a continuation of the anticompetitive behaviour by

[party to the proceedings]. Further telephone calls during the time period

between March and October 2007 were reported by [party to the proceedings]

on […] 2008

141

. Having been confronted by the Commission with [party to the

proceedings'] allegations, [party to the proceedings] explained that, in defiance

of direct instructions, a […] employee located in a [non EU/EEA territory] had a

few telephone conversations with a [party to the proceedings'] employee in late

2007 that involved prices quoted to a particular customer located in the PRC. This

employee did not possess pricing authority regarding CRTs, so the conversations

are presumed to have had no effect, and […] was promptly suspended from all

[…] responsibilities by [party to the proceedings] when it was informed of the

conduct.

142

Following [party to the proceedings'] explanations, and in view of

the fact that no further incidents were reported, the Commission did not take

any further procedural steps in this context.

(97) On 27 November 2007, Philips filed a leniency application pursuant to the 2006

Leniency Notice

143

which was followed by subsequent submissions […].

(98) On 14 March 2008, Thomson filed a leniency application pursuant to the 2006

Leniency Notice which was followed by subsequent submissions […].

(99) On 23 November 2009 the Commission adopted a Statement of Objections in

respect of Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd., Chunghwa Picture Tubes

(Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., CPTF Optronics Co., Ltd., Samsung SDI Co. Ltd,

Samsung SDI Germany GmbH, Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.,

Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., LG Electronics, Inc., [addressee of the

Statement of Objections], Thomson S.A., Panasonic Corporation, Toshiba

Corporation, [addressee of the Statement of Objections], [addressee of the

Statement of Objections ].

144

139

[…]

140

At the same time as the inspections were launched.

141

[…]

142

[…]

143

Philips had already applied for a marker on 19 November 2007. This application was rejected on 26

November 2007.

144

[…]

EN 24 EN

(100) All parties to these proceedings had access to the Commission's investigation file

in the form of a copy on two DVDs. On the DVDs, the parties received a list

specifying the documents contained in the file (with consecutive page

numbering) and indicating the degree of accessibility of each document. In

addition, the parties were informed that the DVD gave them full access to all the

documents obtained by the Commission during the investigation, except for

business secrets and other confidential information and parts of the file which

are only 'accessible at the Commission's premises'. All parties had access to

those parts at the Commission's premises.

(101) After having access to the file, all addressees of the Statement of Objections made

known to the Commission in writing their views on the objections raised against

them and took part in an Oral Hearing held on 26 to 27 May 2010.

(102) Following the Oral Hearing, Toshiba and Panasonic/MTPD filed additional

submissions and presented evidence regarding the issue of decisive influence

over MTPD.

(103) On 22 December 2010 the Commission issued a Letter of Facts to

Panasonic/MTPD and Toshiba regarding their decisive influence over MTPD.

Toshiba responded to it on 4 February 2011, whereas Panasonic/MTPD did not

submit any further comments.

(104) Following Panasonic/MTPD's requests, dated 6 April 2010 and 27 September

2010, for access to exculpatory evidence in other parties' responses to the

Statement of Objections, Toshiba agreed to provide access to non-confidential

versions of [annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement of Objections] to all

addressees of the Statement of Objections. On 9 to12 November 2010 the

Commission accordingly provided access to the [annex to Toshiba's reply to the

Statement of Objections], that were prepared for Toshiba's reply to the

Statement of Objections, to all of the addressees of the Statement of Objections.

The addressees were given a possibility to comment on [annex to Toshiba's

reply to the Statement of Objections], but only [a party] and [a party] submitted

comments. By letter of 19 November 2010 the Commission rejected otherwise

Panasonic/MTPDs request for access to Statement of Objections replies. By

letter from the Hearing Officer, dated 19 January 2011, the Commission

rejected Toshiba's request of 23 December 2010 for access to other parties'

replies to the Statement of Objections.

(105) On 4 March 2011, requests for information were sent to the addressees of the

current Decision asking them to provide information about their sales and

overall turnover, followed by further requests to supplement or clarify the data

provided.

(106) On 1 June 2012, after serveral requests for information since 15 November 2011

pursuant to Article 18(2) of Regulation (EC) No 1/2003 or pursuant to Point 12

of the 2006 Leniency Notice, Supplementary Statements of Objections were

adopted to supplement, amend and/or clarify the objections addressed to Philips

and LGE regarding their respective liability in the infringements concerning

both the CDT and the CPT, prior to the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture],

as well their liability after the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture]. Following

the access to file, the two addressees of the Supplementary Statements of

Objections, Philips and LGE, made known to the Commission in writing their

EN 25 EN

views on the objections raised against them and took part in an Oral Hearing

held on 6 September 2012.

(107) On 5 July 2012 the Commission issued a Letter of Facts to all the addressees of

the 23 November 2009 Statement of Objections regarding updates […] in

relation to the participating individuals from Philips Group, LGE Group and

[Philips/LGE joint venture]. Toshiba, Samsung SDI and Panasonic/MTPD

responded to it on 19 July 2012, 27 July 2012 and 31 July 2012 respectively

145

whereas the other addresees did not submit any comments.

4. DESCRIPTION ON THE EVENTS

4.1. CDT cartel

4.1.1. Basic principles

(108) The Commission has evidence that CDT producers addressed by this Decision

participated in meetings and other contacts with the aim of fixing prices

worldwide, allocating market shares and customers and restricting output at

least in the period from 24 October 1996 to 14 March 2006 (see Section 4.3.2).

During that period, the CDT producers also exchanged commercially sensitive

information.

(109) More specifically, concerning price fixing

146

, the cartel participants agreed on

target prices, on what to tell customers about the reason for the price increase

and, in addition, on which producer would communicate the price increase to

which customer.

147

Price fixing arrangements also concerned customers within

vertically integrated groups, such as Philips (see for example Recitals (198)-

(199)).

148

Contemporaneous evidence also suggests that the price increases in

CDT were, at times, passed on to the downstream market of production of

computer monitor tubes

149

(110) The CDT producers involved in the cartel also made arrangements relating to

market shares, both overall market shares or shares at particular customers,

agreeing thereby who would sell to a particular customer. The assignment of

shares was regularly reviewed and adjusted. (See for example Recitals (216)-

145

[…]

146

The term "price fixing" in this Decision refers to all discussions and/or exchanges of information –

direct or indirect – which had an object to ultimately fix prices. Naturally, by analogy, the terms "output

limitation" and "output planning" or "sales planning" in this Decision refer to all discussion or

exchanges of information – direct or indirect – which had an object to ultimately restrict output. This

applies to both CDT and CPT cartel.

147

Within the system, it was understood that the major supplier would be making price increase

announcements to its primary customers first. The others were then expected to follow. […]

148

[…]

149

"Regarding CDT price increase was only at USD2-3/pc, some of the customers responded that their

downstream customers would force them to absorb the increase themselves, they would have not been

able to reflect the actual increase to their customers; hence they recommended to expand the scale of

price increase, so it would be more profitable for the operations of the respective CDT makers" […];

"As this wave of price hike comes with a short notice, price would go up only USD 2-3 at the first stage;

we should also inform the customers of a possible second stage of price hike, so that they can take time

to pass on to OEM customers" […]; "Price of whole monitor set has not been adjusted; it’s necessary to

remind customers to pass CDT extra cost on to system makers" […].

EN 26 EN

(217), (240)). As part of the system, one competitor was usually designated as

the major supplier to a given customer.

150

(111) The CDT producers also agreed on coordinated output restrictions, aimed at

reducing oversupply and achieving target prices and market shares (see for

example Recitals (180), (216)-(217)). These arrangements began as

arrangements to shut down production lines for a period of days and gradually

developed into arrangements to shut down entire production lines. In addition,

CDT meeting participants organized a process to audit compliance with the

agreed-upon output restrictions. The audit process included visits to factories to

ensure compliance with the agreed-upon shut downs

151

(112) Exchange of detailed information on past and future pricing, capacity, output and

demand formed a standard part of illicit contacts between the CDT producers

(see for example Recitals (135), (136), (139)).

152

Information was exchanged in

meetings, by telephone and e-mail

153

The information exchange served both to

monitor compliance with previous agreements and to jointly plan future prices,

output, market shares and customer allocation.

154

4.1.2. Organisation

(113) The cartel was highly organised

155

with participants ranging from sales and

marketing employees all the way up to the highest executive level of the

participating companies.

156

The competitors met on a regular basis, usually,

several times a month ([…]

157

)

158

(114) The cartel participants were aware of the anticompetitive nature of their contacts

and implicitly agreed to keep their cartel secret and not to leave behind evidence

of their behaviour. For this purpose, they used different tools and methods to

conceal their contacts. […] [A]t some point before or in 1998, the Korean

producers became very nervous about disclosure of the meetings, and told

[party to the proceedings] to "keep them quiet", even within their company. The

participants were adviced to be careful not to take notes, not to put anything on

paper, which shows that they were aware of the illicit nature of the contacts.

[Party to the proceedings'] statement is confirmed by the written instructions

that can be found in several documents inviting the cartel members to be

cautious

159

. Irrespective of such instructions, there is ample documentary

evidence in this case as the description of the cartels in Section 4.3.2 shows.

150

[…]

151

[…]

152

[…]

153

[…]

154

[…]

155

Meeting participants usually provided the data beforehand and detailed tables were circulated with the

meeting agenda to all participants for discussion. See for example the minutes of the meeting of 28

April 1999 […].

156

The fact that reports of management and lower-level meetings were reviewed and initialled by senior

[…] executives illustrates this point. […]

157

[…]

158

[…]

159

[…]

EN 27 EN

(115) Multilateral meetings, for which the first evidence dates from 1997 and which

became regular and more formalised as from 1998, formed the corner stone of

the CDT cartel. The meetings were termed "five company"

160

or "CDT Glass

Meetings"

161

and, still in 1998, a three tier construction was put in place: ) top

meetings (also called green meetings

162

, which weremeetings between the

individuals from the highest levels of the company – CEOs and executives

163

usually occurring on a quarterly basis

164

), (ii) management level meetings

(monthly meetings conducted by senior sales executives

165

) and (iii) working

level meetings (meetings in which regional sales managers and local sales

managers participated).

166

(116) Frequent bilateral contacts were also maintained among CDT producers.

167

Bilateral meetings occurred among members of the "five companies" group in

the time between multilateral meetings

168

([…]) and they were also used to

coordinate the cartel efforts with CDT producers outside the group of "five

companies".

(117) The core participants in the multilateral meetings were originally Chunghwa,

Samsung, LGE, Philips and [CDT producer]. In 2001, after LGE and Philips

had merged their CRT businesses, the core group was formed by Chunghwa,

Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CDT producer] and, as of 2003, the

number of core participants stabilized at three – Chunghwa, Samsung and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] (see Section 2.2.1.5 and Recital (77)).

(118) In this respect, contacts with Japanese competitors, in particular, [CDT producer],

[CDT producer] and [CDT producer] formed a specific feature of the CDT

cartel. Even though there is ample evidence concerning the involvement of

these three companies in the cartel, the evidence does not go beyond June

2000

169

. Consequently, the Commission will refrain from systematically

referring to the participation of these CDT producers in the cartel arrangements.

160

Since Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, Philips and [CPT producer] were the regular participants. The

evolution of the core group of the cartel is described in detail in section 4.3.2.

161

The origin of the names of these meetings derives from the fact that, in the industry, "crystal" refers to

LCD and "glass" to tubes. The terms “glass” and “GSM” are used interchangeably to describe the

meetings. […]

162

Due to the fact that a golf game often followed a top meeting […].

163

[…] [T]op meetings were attended by senior managers of the company involved, and, in some cases,

during the initial period, by executives of the companies.

164

[…] Top meetings were sometimes held quarterly but often less frequently […]. The available

documentary evidence shows that in the years 1998-1999 Top meetings took place even more often

[…].

165

[…] [T]he management level meetings were often held even more frequently than on a monthly basis.

[…]

166

[…]

167

[…]Bilateral meetings were more informal than the multilateral meetings and were not always as well

documented as the multilateral meetings. Examples of bilateral contacts in the time period between

multilateral meetings can also be found in the multilateral meeting reports themselves.

168

[…].

169

[…] The Japanese CDT makers seem to have found it difficult or even impossible to attend multilateral

meetings due to antitrust concerns, but considered bilateral contacts to be more feasible. This is

illustrated well in the minutes of a meeting held on 14 January 1998 where [party to the proceedings]

proposed that each cartel member should station representatives in Korea, Japan and Taiwan to

participate in meetings. […] This is also confirmed by [party to the proceedings] who submits that

EN 28 EN

4.2. CPT cartel

4.2.1. Basic principles

(119) The Commission has evidence that CPT producers addressed by this Decision

participated in meetings and other contacts with the aim of fixing prices,

allocating market shares and restricting output at least in the period from 3

December 1997 to 15 November 2006 (see Section 4.3.3). During that period,

the CPT producers also exchanged commercially sensitive information.

(120) Concerning price fixing, the cartel participants agreed on target or bottom prices

for various CPT dimensions or sizes. They also attempted to maintain a price

gap between identical products marketed in Europe and in Asia (see for

example Recitals (251), (267), (338)-(339)). The pricing arrangements were

closely monitored by the participating parties (see for example Recitals (271),

(273), (274), (278)). The cartel participants also made arrangements concerning

which producer would communicate a price increase to which customer (see for

example Recital (277)).

(121) The CPT producers involved in the cartel also made arrangements regarding their

shares on the CPT market (see for example Recital (387)) and agreed on

coordinated output restrictions with a view to reducing oversupply and

increasing or maintaining prices (see for example Recitals (264), (423)-(425)).

(122) With respect to CPT, exchange of detailed information on past and future pricing,

capacity, output and demand formed a standard part of illicit contacts between

the CPT producers. Information was exchanged in meetings and a network of

telephone and e-mail information exchanges was operated by the cartel

participants (see for example Recitals (248), (304)).

4.2.2. Organisation

(123) After an initial period during which CPTs were usually discussed in meetings

together with CDTs, regular multilateral CPT meetings (the so called "CPT

glass meetings") were formally established in the autumn of 1998

170

([…]).

While being recurrent, the multilateral CPT meetings were less structured than

the CDT meetings and were held less frequently, although still recurrently

(typically on a quarterly basis

171

and often monthly), whereas CDT meetings

were usually held several times a month. In addition to multilateral meetings,

frequent bilateral contacts and recurrent information exchanges took place

among CPT producers worldwide (see […] for example Recitals (248), (304)-

(317) and (413)-(414)).

Japanese companies […] did not attend glass meetings directly but that the other participants (typically

the Korean participants) had information on the Japanese manufactures and informed the Japanese on

the discussions in the cartel meetings. Apart from this, the position of the Japanese companies was the

same and shared the same understanding on the collusion as other cartel members. […]

170

[…] See also […] Recital (264).

171

Corresponding to the quarterly price negotiations with customers.

EN 29 EN

(124) The core participants in the multilateral meetings were originally Chunghwa,

Samsung, LGE, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer]

172

. The meetings initially

took place in Asia, in particular the multilateral meetings.

(125) In the spring of 1999

173

, Philips launched an anti-dumping action in Europe

concerning the import of 14'' (inches) CPTs. Although the full impact of the

resulting anti-dumping duty was felt only in 2000, this action started shaping the

relations between the participants as early as 1999. As of the end of 1999,

Philips began attending group meetings regularly

174

and it was around this time

that bilateral contacts in Europe changed into multilateral meetings, which

started to be organised more frequently also in Europe

175

(see Recital (288)).

(126) Also [CPT producer] and MEI (as of 1 April 2003 through the joint venture

MPTD) participated in cartel meetings and other cartel contacts at least since

1999. There is evidence of Thomson's participation in anticompetitive

arrangements since 1999. There is consistent evidence regarding Toshiba's

involvement since spring 2000

176

(as of 1 April 2003 through the joint venture

MTPD).

(127) Around 2002/2003, the multilateral meetings held in Asia changed form and two

multilateral meeting platforms for CPT producers based in Asia started to be

organised: "SML" meetings (referring to meetings between Samsung, MTPD

and LGE) and Southeast Asian (or ASEAN) meetings.

(128) The Southeast Asian meetings, in which companies focussed their discussions on

small and medium sized CPTs, were established in the autumn of 2002 (see

Recital (381)). The participants were Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

MTPD, Chunghwa and [CPT producer]. As for the SML meetings, there is

documentary evidence regarding theses meetings as of the beginning of 2003

(see Recital (387))

177

. The participants in the SML meetings were Samsung,

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD and the companies focussed their

discussion on medium sized and particularly large sized CPTs. Chunghwa and

172

[Party to the proceedings] submits that there were also three company meetings among Korean CPT

producers (Samsung, LGE and [CPT producer]) before and at the same time as the five company CPT

meetings primarily because the Korean companies could exchange their ideas more conveniently in

their common native language […]. Concerning [party to the proceedings], this evidence shows

participation from as early as 1996, while the documentary evidence available for the Commission

starts from 1999 (see Recital (126)).

173

On 12 April 1999, Philips informed Samsung that it had started an anti-dumping action against Asian

14'' CPT imports […].

174

[Party to the proceedings] explains that Philips posed a problem for the CPT producers because its

factories were in Europe and Brazil in the beginning and it had no senior executives in Asia […]. The

evidence in the Commission's file shows that some contacts took place in Europe also before the

autumn of 1999. By way of example, on 15 July 1999, Samsung and EMEC (MEI Germany) exchanged

data concerning the production of CPTs in 2000 on the European market and noted that what was

needed was "more of a collaboration than competition" […].

175

[Party to the proceedings] stated […] that competitors began holding regularly scheduled group

European meetings in 1999. […]. According to [party to the proceedings], bilateral meetings in Europe

changed into multilateral meetings in 1998 or 1999.

176

Toshiba rarely attended multilateral meetings (started to regularly attend such meetings in 2002), but

participated instead mostly via bilateral contacts. Generally, it was kept informed of the outcome of the

multilateral meetings through [CPT producer] […].

177

[Party to the proceedings] submits that SML meeting took place as early as 2002 or even 2001 […],

however, there is no documentary evidence in the Commission's file to corroborate this […].

EN 30 EN

[CPT producer] did not produce large CPTs and were therefore not involved in

these discussions.

178

The attendees of the SML meeting would typically be

aware of the outcome of the Southeast Asian meetings and vice versa.

179

(129) The European CPT related multilateral meetings (also referred to as "Glass

meetings") were organised and conducted separately from the meetings in Asia,

but the subsidiaries from the same undertakings and, occasionally, also the same

individuals

180

attended meetings with competitors in both Europe and Asia.

181

While it appears that the European meetings did not take place as regularly as

the meetings in Asia, the European meetings were numerous and often held

quarterly in various places such as Schiphol in Amsterdam, Berlin, Luxembourg

and Paris.

182

Often European meetings were organised separately for different

tube sizes and participants slightly differed according to the sizes they were

selling in Europe: small sizes (for example. 14"), medium sizes (mainly 20" and

21") and large sizes (other sizes, including also "jumbo" sizes).

183

Certain

European multilateral meetings were held as dinner or bar discussions before

and after the official meetings of the European Electronic Components

Manufacturers Association ("EECA"). In such discussions the undertakings that

participated in the EECA openly discussed detailed capacity and price

information, timing and planning of production stops and loading rates.

184

(130) Due to higher production costs in Europe and import tariffs on Asian tubes, the

tube prices in Europe were generally higher than in Asia. However, pricing

discussions in Asia and Europe were often connected. Several Asian cartel

participants had production facilities in Europe during most of the period when

the competitors had meetings with each other (this was largely due to the import

limitations in Europe). The Asian CPT producers were also interested in

178

[…] The abbreviation SML comes from the names of the participating companies, Samsung, MTPD

and [Philips/LGE joint venture]. It appears that initially, prior to creation of the joint venture, MTPD,

its parent companies Toshiba and MEI participated.

179

[…]

180

Such individuals were for example [names]. More particularly, [name], who was a regular participant to

the European meetings, attended for example the meeting of 21 September 1999 in Asia. [Name], who

in [period] was [manager] […]; in [period], [manager] […]; and in [period], [manager] in [Philips/LGE

joint venture], […], participated in various Asian meetings in 1999, 2000 and 2001 (by way of example

25 August 1999, 22 September 1999, 20 November 1999, 24 January 2000, 25 May 2000, 26 May

2000, 20 June 2000, 23 June 2000, 13 July 2000, 22 August 2000, 21 September 2000, 25 October 2000

and 19 March 2001. […] [Name] attended both the European meetings of 2 October 1999 and 11

November 1999, and Asian meetings of 7 March 1999, 15 April 1999 and 1 June 1999. […]

Furthermore, [name] of Chunghwa participated in the European meetings but was also informed of the

outcome of the meetings that took place in Asia. He regularly signed the meeting reports concerning

Asian meetings, for example those of 7 July and 21 June 1999; 24 January, 24 March, 13 July and 21

September 2000; 26 June 2001; and 18 January, 22 February, 20 March and 17 December 2002. […]

181

[…]

182

[…] [Party to the proceedings] submits that the meetings did concern structured consultations and that

usually during a meeting participants would agree on a date for the next meeting. […]

183

[…] Commission has asked the parties to provide information on sales to EEA per type of CPT

(typically per inch) […] As meetings were organised for different tube sizes, they were also accordingly

called in the documents as "small working group", "medium working group" and "large working

group".

184

[…]

EN 31 EN

European prices because when the prices were sufficiently high in Europe it was

profitable to ship tubes from Asia, even after incorporating the import tariffs.

185

(131) The European and Asian meetings were interconnected, although the documents

in the file do not describe any joint central organisation. For example, the same

topics were discussed and information was swapped between the meeting

participants. The participants in the Asian meetings exchanged information and

discussed their future plans regarding the European sales or sales at worldwide

level, they discussed European pricing in comparison to the Asian prices and

pricing to specific European customers and scrutinised capacities, production

and imports in both areas or globally (see for example Recitals (250)-(253),

(287), (289)-(290), (321), (295)-(298). They also made arrangements in Asian

meetings regarding European prices (see Recitals (438)-(439)).

186

(132) A specific feature of the cartel arrangements concerning Europe was the position

of Turkey in the price fixing agreements. Turkey was an important market,

accounting for a significant part of the sales of the CRT producers

187

. Similarly

to the relationship between Europe and Asia, Europe and Turkey were

interconnected. More particularly, as became evident especially during the

middle period of the cartel (see Section 4.3.3.2), CPT producers fixed the prices

for Turkey and used these prices as a proxy to set the price level for the rest of

Europe (see for example Recitals (401)-(402)).

188

(133) As in the case of CDT, the competitors were aware of the anticompetitive nature

of their contacts and tried to keep their cartel secret and not to leave behind

evidence of their behaviour. Written instructions to this effect can be found in

documents

189

4.3. The chronology of cartel events and evidence relating to specific meetings

4.3.1. Initial years of the collusion

(134) Mutually corroborating [evidence] […] suggest that there were […] contacts

between CRT producers from the late 1980s and early 1990s.

190

The first known

CDT and CPT Glass Meeting took place in 1994

191

(135) Throughout 1995, there were bilateral contacts among CRT producers. The

Commission has evidence of a number of bilateral meetings between CRT

185

[…]

186

See for examples of European price discussion in Asian meetings: 21 September 1999 […], 11 October

1999 […], 20 October 1999 […], 27 October 1999 […], 14 April 2000 […], 25 May 2000 […]. [Party

to the proceedings] also reports that the chairman of the European meetings often attended meetings in

Asia to discuss the European information and to facilitate communication between the meeting

participants in Asia and in Europe […]. [Party to the proceedings] reports that particularly towards the

end discussions on the European market were increasingly taking place outside Europe direcly between

the Asian companies involved […].

187

[…]

188

[…]

189

[…]"Everybody is requested to keep it as a secret as it would be serious damage to SEB if it is open to

customers or European Commission."

190

[…]

191

[…]

EN 32 EN

producers

192

. In most of these bilateral meetings both CPTs and CDTs were

discussed, although some meetings were focussed solely on CDTs. The

evidence shows that all these meetings took place in Asia and that the

companies involved in these early contacts were Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE,

[CRT producers]. During these contacts, the producers exchanged information

concerning prices, production capacity and future supply and demand. The

documentary evidence contains suggestions for coordinated action

193

and some

of the documents show clear intentions of the companies to coordinate their

behaviour

194

(136) In 1996, the contacts intensified and there was an increasing number of

documented bilateral meetings between CRT producers ([…]). The evidence

shows that Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, [CRT producers] continued their

dialogue. New participants were Philips, [CRT producers]. The contacts in 1996

continued following more or less the same pattern as established already in the

earlier meetings and future price information – typically per customer – was

exchanged. Information on future supply and demand, production capacity and

production plans were also exchanged between producers. The evidence further

shows that there were mounting concerns about oversupply and falling prices.

Towards the end of 1996, price discussions intensified (see in particular Recital

(143) below) and there were attempts to launch multilateral meetings

195

European markets were also discussed on several occasions in those Asian

meetings

196

. Although CPTs and CDTs were often discussed during the same

meetings, CDTs clearly were dealt with more in the discussions in the initial

years prior to end of 1997 and there were meetings where only CDTs were

discussed.

(137) In 1997, CDTs dominated the meeting agenda and only a few discussions

concerning CPTs were reported[…]. Bilateral meetings continued among

192

See for example the minutes of the meetings of 13 March 1995 […], 22 March 1995 […], 29 May 1995

[…], 29 June 1995 […], 17 July 1995 […], 16 August 1995 […], 23 August 1995 […], 7 September

1995 […], 18 September 1995 […], 19 September 1995 […], 22 September 1995 […], 5 October 1995

[…], 8 November 1995 […], 14 November 1995 […], 4 December 1995 […], 5 December 1995 […], 6

December 1995 […] and 15 December 1995 […].

193

See for example the minutes of the meeting of 29 May 1995 […]: "The main point of this visit to us by

[CRT producer] members was to discuss the background for a CPT/CDT price increase, and the price

increase range as well as to exchange market information", "SAMSUNG personnel had visited [CRT

producer] headquarters to discuss the price increase matter. SAMSUNG plans to raise the price in July

by around 10% and asked [CRT producer] to follow."; 5 December 1995 […]: "If CPT did not support

this […] price, then it will not succeed and we were asked to enter into a common understanding.

Moreover, LG indicated that before coming to CPTM, it had already obtained the support from

SAMSUNG and [CRT producer]"; 6 December 1995 […]: "About the price increase, we have indeed

had a discussion with other Korea makers".

194

See for example the minutes of the meeting of 29 May 1995 […]:"The main point of this visit to us by

[CRT producer] members was to discuss the background for a CPT/CDT price increase, and the price

increase range […][CRT producer] is cautious about this price increase and is visiting all CPT/CDT

Makersin Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore to investigate each vendor’s price increase ranges and

timetables before deciding on the range of price increase and timetable for such increase. The trip to

Thailand has been completed. Thailand’s [CRT producer]and [CRT producer]both announced the

implementation of a new price starting from July 1".

195

Minutes of the meeting of 10 June 1996 […].

196

See for example 2 February 1996 […], 12 June 1996 […], 11 September 1996 […], 2 December 1996

[…].

EN 33 EN

producers but, at the same time, multilateral meetings became more frequent.

Contacts among CRT producers further intensified and a division between CDT

and CPT related contacts emerged at this stage.

(138) Therefore, the cartel relating to CDT will be described first in Section 4.3.2

below, and the description of the CPT cartel follows in Section 4.3.3.

4.3.2. CDT cartel

4.3.2.1. Period from 1996 to 1999

(139) In the period from the second half of 1996 to end of 1999, the cartel participants

established a system of collusive meetings and contacts which was also largely

maintained at later stages of the cartel. Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, Philips and

[CDT producer] were the most frequent participants in the meetings.

Arrangements on pricing and output limitation were made in multilateral

meetings and thereafter monitored, both in multilateral and bilateral contacts.

Competitors also exchanged data and estimates on various market parameters,

such as future demand

197

(140) While the 14'' and 15'' CDTs dominated the agenda in 1997, they were gradually

being replaced by 17'' CDT

198

in later years and larger CDT sizes became the

focus of discussions and arrangements in 1999. The above-mentioned five

companies - Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, Philips and [CDT producer] - which

formed the core group of the cartel in 1998, continued meeting frequently to

agree on both output limitation

199

and prices. During the course of 1999, their

meeting agenda became increasingly elaborate, usually involving discussions on

the market situation, production, sales, stock, line configuration and capacity of

individual participants, demand and supply, capacity control and pricing.

200

(141) Table 1

201

gives a summary of the most important multilateral and bilateral

202

contacts between CDT producers in the period from the second half of 1996 to

1999.

(142) Table 1:

Date of

meeting

Description of illicit

behaviour

Meeting participants

197

See for example the minutes of the meeting of 28 September 1999 […]. See also […],where Philips and

LGE expressed interest in sharing information both for the European region as well as worldwide CDT

market in an e-mail dating from 1999 or 2000 […].

198

[…]

199

Oversupply was one of the recurring issues during the cartel meetings […].

200

See for example the minutes of the meeting of 20 September 1999 […]. The pricing element was

another standard part of meetings among CDT producers (see in that respect for example the minutes of

the meeting on 20 August 1999 […].

201

For the purpose of this table and the subsequent tables 2 to 7 in this Decision, the abbreviations used

have the following meaning: PH – Philips, [CDT producer], SDI – Samsung SDI. In the tables, the most

characteristic type of collusive behaviour for each meeting is indicated, while the meetings usually

covered also other types of cartel behaviour. However, unless it was the only feature of a given meeting,

exchange of commercially sensitive information is not expressly mentioned, since exchange of

information was a standard part of cartel meetings both concerning CDT and CPT. The same applies to

the subsequent tables 2 to 7.

202

Further frequent bilateral contacts are also documented in the Commission's file for all the main

participants. […]

EN 34 EN

24/10/1996

Price fixing

203

Chunghwa, LGE

23/11/1996

Price fixing

204

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer]

25/11/1996

Price fixing

205

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer]

26/11/1996

Price fixing

206

Chunghwa, SDI

27/11/1996

Price fixing

207

Chunghwa, SDI

18/12/1996

Price fixing

208

Chunghwa, SDI

28/1/1997

Price fixing, output

limitation

209

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

25/2/1997

Price fixing, output

limitation

210

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, PH

12/3/1997

Price fixing

211

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH, [CDT producers]

19/3/1997

Price fixing

212

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

26/3/1997

Price fixing

213

Chunghwa, SDI, PH

23/4/1997

Price fixing

214

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

21/11/1997

Price fixing

215

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, PH

4/3/1998

Price fixing

216

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

12/5/1998

Price fixing

217

Chunghwa, SDI, PH

30/5/1998

Price fixing

218

Chunghwa, LGE, [CDT producer]

1/6/1998

Price fixing, output

limitation

219

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer]

18/7/1998

Price fixing

220

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

31/7/1998

Price fixing, output

limitation

221

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

2/9/1998

Price fixing

222

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

21/9/1998

Price fixing

223

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

203

[…]

204

[…]

205

[…]

206

[…]

207

[…]

208

[…]

209

[…]

210

[…]

211

[…]

212

[…]

213

[…]

214

[…]

215

[…]

216

[…]

217

[…]

218

[…]

219

[…]

220

[…]

221

[…]

222

[…]

EN 35 EN

9/10/1998

Price fixing, output

limitation

224

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

20/10/1998

Price fixing, output

limitation

225

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

4/11/1998

Price fixing

226

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

23/11/1998

Price fixing

227

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

28/11/1998

Price fixing

228

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

8/12/1998

Price fixing

229

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

13/1/1999

Price fixing

230

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

18/1/1999

Price fixing

231

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

16/2/1999

Price fixing

232

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

1/3/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

233

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

5/3/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

234

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

8/3/1999

Output limitation

235

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

15/3/1999

Price fixing

236

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

22/3/1999

Output limitation

237

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

31/3/1999

Output limitation

238

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

2/4/1999

Price fixing

239

Chunghwa, SDI, PH, [CDT

producers]

9/4/1999

Output limitation

240

Chunghwa, SDI, [CRT producer],

LGE, PH

223

[…]

224

[…]

225

[…]

226

[…]

227

[…]

228

[…]

229

The meeting took place on 8-10 December 1998 […].

230

[…]

231

[…]

232

[…]

233

[…]

234

[…]

235

[…]

236

[…]

237

[…]

238

[…]

239

[…]

240

[…]

EN 36 EN

10/4/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

241

Chunghwa, SDI, PH

14/4/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

242

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

27/4/1999

Output limitation

243

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

28/4/1999

Output limitation

244

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

12/5/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

245

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

21/5/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

246

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

23/6/1999

Price fixing, output

limitation

247

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

23/7/1999

Price fixing

248

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

28/7/1999

Price fixing

249

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

10/8/1999

Price fixing

250

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

20/8/1999

Output limitation

251

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

20/9/1999

Output limitation

252

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

28/9/1999

Output limitation

253

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

13/10/1999

Price fixing

254

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

26/10/1999

Output limitation

255

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

3/11/1999

Price fixing

256

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

9/11/1999

Exchange of information

257

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

241

[…]

242

[…]

243

[…]

244

[…]

245

[…]

246

[…]

247

[…]

248

[…]

249

[…]

250

[…]

251

[…]

252

[…]

253

[…]

254

[…]

255

[…]

256

[…]

257

[…]

EN 37 EN

16/11/1999

Output/sales planning

258

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer] ,

LGE, PH

26/11/1999

Exchange of information

259

Chunghwa, SDI, ,[CDT producer]

LGE, PH

30/11/1999

Price fixing

260

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

Price fixing

(143) Price fixing was the main feature of the CDT cartel during the whole period from

the second half of 1996

261

to end of 1999 (see the period identified in Recital

(139)). The first piece of evidence of a price fixing arrangement relates to a

meeting at the "beginning of October" 1996, where guidelines for the "bottom

line" price for 14" CDTs were agreed upon. Although the Commission does not

have contemporaneous minutes on this meeting, a number of references were

made to this meeting and, therefore, it is possible to reconstruct the arrangement

reached in this meeting on the basis of other contemporaneous documents. More

particularly, the meeting was first referred to in the bilateral meeting between

Chunghwa and LGE on 24 October 1996

262

. A reference was made to the

"bottom line" set in the October meeting as follows: "According the meeting in

the beginning of October, the bottom line for the 14''CDT MPRE model is USD

80.00". The guidelines were further referred to and discussed in a number of

subsequent meetings and contacts on 23 November 1996

263

between Chunghwa,

Samsung and [CDT producer]; on 25 November 1996

264

between Chunghwa,

Samsung and [CDT producer]; on 26 November 1996

265

between Chunghwa

and Samsung; on 27 November 1996

266

between Chunghwa and Samsung; and,

finally, on 18 December 1996

267

between Chunghwa and Samsung.

Furthermore, in the meeting of 26 November 1996, it was agreed that

Chunghwa will "convey the 14'' bottom price to [CDT producer], and Philips

and Samsung to [CDT producer], LG and [CDT producer]". Whereas the early

years of the cartel (until 1996) were marked by an exchange of information

258

[…]

259

[…]

260

[…]

261

In 1997, the prices of both 14'' and 15'' CDT kept falling throughout the year and the parties undertook

coordinated action to control prices. The 14'' CDT price fell from the highest agreed price of USD 67 at

the beginning of the year to USD 58 by the end of the year and 15'' CDT fell from USD 103 to USD

76.50.

262

[…]

263

A reference was made to the "bottom line" of USD 76 and that it should be "maintained" […].

264

A reference was made to the "bottom price" of USD 76 which was hoped to be "maintained" […].

265

A number of references were made to the bottom price, for example: "CPT first indicated the Bottom

Price verified at the beginning of October: 14'' MPRII/ITC: USD 80.00 14'' SS/ITC: USD 76 Up until

now, CPT [Chunghwa] is still following the guidelines", "CPT wants to maintain the current Bottom

Price", "The two parties selling price bottom limit should be as follows: Lite-on 14'' ASC B+D" USD

76 for Chunghwa and USD 76.50 for Samsung. Samsung agreed to maintain a price difference of USD

0.50 to Chunghwa […].

266

This was a follow-up telephone call between Chunghwa and Samsung, again referring to the prices set

in October and quoting USD 80 and USD 76 […].

267

A reference was made to the meeting between Chunghwa and Samsung on 26 November 1996 and the

agreement to maintain the prices at USD 80 and USD 76 ("CPT clarified that during the Meeting with

the two parties on 11/26 '96, the agreement was to maintain the prices MPRII USD 80.00/Normal

76.00" […].

EN 38 EN

rather than clear-cut arrangements, the "beginning of October" meeting in 1996

together with the follow-up meetings launched a new period in the cartel.

(144) In an attempt to put an end to the spiralling CDT prices, the producers understood

that multilateral price fixing arrangements were necessary. The collusive

contacts aiming at multilateral arrangements, which started in October 1996,

continued and the following meeting in a series of meetings leading to

multilateral arrangements was a meeting between LG and Chunghwa on 15

January 1997

268

. In this meeting, the "bottom line" prices agreed in October

1996 (see Recital (143)) were referred to as LGE suggested that Chunghwa

contact the other producers and ask them to "maintain the bottom line". LGE

also asked Chunghwa to ask the other producers to reduce production days and

maintain the original customers' share - thereby suggesting that a customer

allocation had been agreed upon previously.

(145) On 28 January 1997

269

, Chunghwa, Samsung, Philips and [CDT producer] met in

a multilateral meeting. The "bottom line" prices were discussed again and the

participants agreed upon 14 " CDT prices for separate groups of customers (key

accounts, medium customers, small customers) for February

270

. Participants

agreed to guard this "bottom line" price in an effort to control demand and stop

decline in prices. They also agreed to convey the decisions to LGE and [CDT

producer] in order to try to make them follow the agreed behaviour.

(146) Chunghwa conveyed the resolutions of this meeting to LGE on 24 February

1997

271

. On the same day, Chunghwa also met SDI

272

to discuss 14" CDTs. In

this meeting, Chunghwa reproached SDI for not having respected the agreed

"bottom line" prices but, effectively, with its low price quotes had "stolen"

Chunghwa's orders. Chunghwa therefore asked SDI "to find a way to remedy"

this situation.

(147) On 25 February 1997

273

, a multilateral meeting took place between Chunghwa,

Samsung, LGE and Philips. In a further attempt to reverse the trend of the

falling CDT prices, the meeting participants agreed on new, increased "bottom

line" prices for 14inch and 15inch CDTs to be implemented as of April

274

. The

producers were also to reduce capacity. A reference was made to previously

agreed market shares which should be maintained.

(148) On 12 March 1997

275

, in preparation for the April price increases, a multilateral

meeting took place between Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips, [CDT producer],

[CDT producer] and [CDT producer] in which they agreed to maintain the 14"

268

[…]

269

[…]

270

USD 64 for key accounts, USD 64.50 for medium customers and USD 67 for small customers. For 15''

CDT MPRII the agreed prices were USD 98 for key accounts, USD 100 for medium customers and for

small customers. It was also agreed that [CDT producer] could sell USD 2 lower.

271

[…]

272

[…]

273

[…]

274

USD 67 for 14'' CDT MPRII, USD 63.50 for 14'' CDT S/S and USD 100 for 15'' CDT MPRII. The

participants also agreed that Chunghwa can maintain a price differential of 5 USD from the other

manufacturers.

275

[…]

EN 39 EN

and 15" CDT bottom prices at the level agreed earlier on 25 February (see

Recital (147)). It was agreed that prices would be increased at the beginning of

April. It was further agreed that SDI would lead the 14" price increase and

Chunghwa the 15" price increase by notifying their customers in writing and

that the other producers would follow suit.

(149) A week later, on 19 March 1997

276

, another multilateral meeting took place

between Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, Philips and [CDT producer]. The meeting

was a follow-up to the implementation of the agreed price increases and

increases for both March and April were monitored. All meeting participants

confirmed that they had duly notified the new April prices to their customers

and that those new prices would be implemented as of 1 April 1997. The

participants also discussed the second wave of price increases and new prices,

effective as of 1 May 1997, were agreed upon for 14" and 15i" CDTs per

producer

277

(150) Furthermore, the meeting participants agreed to meet on a weekly basis in order to

review the status of the agreed price increases.

(151) On 26 March 1997

278

, Chunghwa, SDI and Philips met. SDI and Philips

complained that customers resisted the price increases for 15 inch CDTs as the

Japanese producers offered lower prices. The meeting participants were,

however, optimistic that the Japanese would eventually raise the price starting

in May and agreed to adjust the April prices for 15" CDTs

279

. As regards the

planned April price increases for 14" CDTs, it was reported that "the customers

all more or less accepted, no problem". In a bilateral meeting on 8 April

1997

280

, Chunghwa encouraged SDI "to stick to the price increase action",

despite the fact that April orders were "extremely poor".

(152) In a meeting of 23 April 1997

281

, SDI complained to Chunghwa, Philips and

[CDT producer] that after it raised its 14" and 15" CDT prices in April, it could

not compete with [CDT producer] and, consequently, lost orders. SDI therefore

announced that it was cutting prices to some of its key customers. All the

meeting participants did, however, agree to maintain the price of 14" CDT

MPRII (this abbreviation refers to an antiglare feature that is more desirable and

allows manufacturers to charge at higher price) the level agreed on 25 February

1997 (see Recital (147)) and that of 15" CDT MPRII at the level agreed on 19

March 1997 (see Recital (149)). It was agreed that SDI should persuade [CDT

producer] to follow the latter price.

(153) Difficulties in the implementation of the coordinated April/May 1997 price rise

continued

282

. In response to those difficulties, several multilateral and bilateral

276

[…]

277

USD 72 for 14'' CDT MPRII and USD 110 for 15'' CDT MPRII. Chunghwa would charge only USD

107 and [CDT producer] only USD 105.

278

[…]

279

From 1 April: USD 105 (Samsung), USD 102-104 (Philips) and USD 101-102 (Chunghwa); from 1

May: USD 110 (Samsung and Philips) and USD 107 (Chunghwa).

280

[…]

281

[…]

282

Chunghwa complained that "since the implementation of the price alliance", there had been losses in

April and May (Minutes of the meeting of 5 June 1997 […]).

EN 40 EN

meetings were held between May and July 1997 to control the price reduction or

to maintain the price (especially for the 14inch CDT) as far as possible

283

(154) On 21 November 1997

284

, a meeting between Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE and

Philips took place in response to a price cut by [CDT producer] for 15" CDTs.

The participants agreed to reduce the earlier agreed price for 15" CDTs

285

but

maintain the 14" CDTs

286

price. The participants also agreed on a common

strategy to announce to the monitor makers a production shortage in 14" and

15" CDTs in 1998 in order to maintain pricing. This meeting was followed by

further meetings in December 1997 and hopes were expressed that the 14" CDT

price could be increased from 1Q in 1998 "under CPT's Leading".

287

(155) Apart from coordinating on general prices, prices for specific customers were

frequently agreed upon. Evidence shows that Chunghwa, Samsung and [CDT

producer] coordinated their 14" and 15" CDT offers on several occasions in

1997 to various joint customers in order to maintain market shares

288

(156) The competitive landscape changed towards the end of 1997 and at the beginning

of 1998. The demand for 14" and 15" CDTs gradually slowed down and, from

1998 onwards, there was a notable trend to move to larger tube sizes

289

Following these changes on the market, larger sizes and especially 17' inch

CDTs were increasingly involved in the anticompetitive arrangements. The

producers generally expected that while the 14" and 15" CDT market would fall

rapidly, there would be a significant increase in demand for 17" and 19 inch

CDTs

290

(157) On 4 March 1998

291

a multilateral meeting was held on [CDT producer]'s

suggestion "so as to maintain market prices"

292

. In this meeting, Chunghwa,

Samsung, Philips and [CDT producer] discussed prices and SDI expressed hope

that competitors would stick to certain price levels for 14" and 15" CDTs

293

283

See the meetings of 7 May 1997 ([…]reference in these meetings are made to a Top management

meeting that took place on this date), 16 May 1997 (Chunghwa, Samsung and LGE, […]), 20 May 1997

(Chunghwa, Samsung, Philips and LGE, […]), 23 May 1997 (Chunghwa and [CDT producer],

[…]),[…] (Chunghwa and [CDT producer], […]), 5 June 1997 (Chunghwa and Samsung, […]), 9 June

1997 (Chunghwa, Samsung and [CDT producer], […]), 8 July 1997 (Chunghwa and Samsung, […])

and 18 July 1997 (Chunghwa and Samsung, […]). Despite of these efforts, prices kept falling. By July

1997, the 14" CDT price decreased to approximately USD 62 and the 15" CDT price to a level slightly

above USD 90.

284

[…]

285

It was agreed to reduce the price by USD 1-2. The target price agreed was USD 76.50 and at least USD

75.

286

USD 58.

287

See the meetings which took place on 8 December 1997 (Chunghwa and Samsung, […]), 9 December

1997 (Chunghwa, Samsung and [CDT producer], […]) and 24 December 1997 (Chunghwa and [CDT

producer], […]).

288

See for example the minutes of the meetings of 19 March 1997 […], 8 September 1997 […], 6 and 7

November 1997 […] and 9 December 1997 […].

289

[…]

290

[…]

291

[…]

292

Minutes of the meeting of 20 February 1998 […].

293

For 14'' CDT USD 53 and for 15'' CDT USD 65. After the meeting, Chunghwa met LGE bilaterally

[…] and explained to it the contents of the discussion in the meeting. LGE was convinced that because

EN 41 EN

(158) Two meetings followed with the aim of controlling the price reductions and of

reaching an arrangement on the price level. In a meeting of 25 March 1998.

294

Samsung expressed its hope that in the continuous pressure to reduce prices

everyone could work together to keep price reductions to a minimum at the

range of around "USD 0.5~1.0/pc each time". The second meeting at which

price deterioration was discussed took place on 30 March 1998.

295

(159) Subsequently, specific price fixing arrangements were reached. On 12 May 1998,

Chunghwa, Samsung and Philips agreed on the May prices for 14" and 15"

CDTs, apparently following the failed attempts by Philips to expand its market

share by using lower prices

296

. Chunghwa communicated the resolution of the

meeting to [CDT producer]

297

. Another price fixing arrangement – this time

between Samsung, LGE and [CDT producer] – was concluded on 30 May 1998

and communicated to Chunghwa a few days afterwards

298

(160) In the second half of 1998, price fixing arrangements followed in quick

succession. LGE captured the upbeat mood by observing that "the only others

that can affect the market are the 4 makers, CPT/PH/SDD/LG, etc. As long as

these 4 makers collaborate well on pricing, they can definitely lead the

market"

299

(161) The meeting on 18 July 1998

300

marks the start of the formalised meetings

between five companies (Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, Philips and [CDT

producer]), which were later typically referred to as "five companies"

meetings

301

. Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, Philips and [CDT producer] agreed on

a price mark-up to be effective starting on 1 August 1998. Previously agreed

"bottom line" prices were to be applied to major customers while USD 1-2 was

to be added to other customers. The participants agreed to "unconditional

maintenance" of the previously agreed prices. The new price arrangement was

subsequently monitored in bilateral meetings between Chunghwa, Samsung and

[CDT producer]

302

. Finally, on 31 July 1998, the five companies agreed to

"CDT business is very hard to do now, the overall market Oversupply is severe, the problem of sliding

prices has to be thoroughly resolved, only by agreeing to production control by everyone" and

expressed its willingness to have "more contact and communication".

294

[…]

295

[…]

296

[…]

297

See also the minutes of the meeting of 18 May 1998 […] referring to a resolution reached in the

meeting of 12 May 1998 to stop decrease of prices for 14" and 15" CDT and to strictly hold the price

that the parties agreed for May 1998.,. Chunghwa further communicated the resolution of the meeting

of 12 May 1998 to […] on 18 May 1998 […].

298

[…] "last Saturday, SDD/LG/[CDT producer] and other had a meeting, there was already a common

understanding on Price Guide Line". In the minutes of the meeting of 4 June 1998 […], the price

agreement of this meeting is referred to as follows: "Hold selling prices for June, everyone has a

common understanding on the original pricing: 14” = $45; 15” = $55".

299

Minutes of the meeting of 9 July 1998 (Samsung and LGE, […]).

300

[…]

301

[…] Even though the 5 companies met already earlier (see for example the meeting on 19 March 1997).

302

See for example the minutes of the meetings of 28 July 1998 […] where it is cited that "since last week,

SEDM [Illegible] explained to major customers that CDT price will be increased starting from end of

August" and 29 July 1998 […], where [CDT producer] says that "besides A.O.C., who is its unusual

customer with the lowest price, [CDT producer] quotes its remaining customers according to the

resolution from the last Meeting".

EN 42 EN

reduce capacity in order to maintain the price for 17 inch CDTs. According to

the meeting report, "the price mark-up had been agreed with no exception to be

implemented as of August 1

303

(162) On 2 September 1998, a new price fixing arrangement for 14" and 15" CDTs was

concluded between the five companies

304

. It was later reported that the price rise

decided for October 1998 was successful

305

. Further price increase attempts

among the five companies continued and, on 21 September 1998

306

, they

discussed prices in a Top meeting. On 9 October 1998

307

, the five companies

discussed the "second CDT price rise". Some resistance from customers was

registered but it was nevertheless reported that all participants were determined

to announce the price increase to customers

308

(163) Prices were discussed among the five companies again on 20 October 1998

309

, on

310

, 23

311

and 28 November 1998

312

. On 8 December 1998

313

, they agreed to

follow the Japanese makers' price increase and raise the 17" CDT price by USD

5 on 16 January 1999.

(164) On 13 January 1999

314

, the five companies' representatives met to take stock of

the progression of the latest price rise agreed on 8 December 1998. They

concluded that "various makers have progressed smoothly and will start to

increase price on January 16

". On 18 January 1999

315

, the meeting

participants could satisfactorily conclude that "all players have successfully

completed price mark-up". However, reports of lower offers from [CDT

producer] caused concerns and on 16 February 1999

316

there were discussions

among the five companies regarding whether or not the agreed price should be

lowered in March.

(165) The "Malaysia Glass" meeting of 5 March 1999

317

marked the start of a series of

further price fixing arrangements among the competitors. At this meeting, the

303

At the level of USD 93. […]

304

See "weekly Job Report" […] and the minutes of the meeting of 4 September […]: "Following the

resolution reached at the top-level meeting on September 2

in Taiwan, beginning from 10/1 [1/10] the

price of 14'' 8CDT9 will be increased by USD 3.0/pc and 15'' [CDT] will be increased by USD 5.0/pc".

305

Minutes of the meeting of 28 July 1999 (Chunghwa and [CDT producer] […]).

306

[…]The minutes of the meeting recorded the following: "Samsung wants to raise to U$ 98.0", referring

evidently to the 17'' CDT price, and "July price 60$ -> Price raise", referring to the 15'' CDT price.

[…]

307

[…]

308

[…]

309

[…]The participants agreed to maintain the 14'' CDT price at the current rate of USD 52.

310

[…]

311

[…] The minutes of the meeting show that [CDT producer] wanted to cut its price offer for 14'' CDT

but that the "competitors don't agree with that". Instead, the instruction was to "keep the price on until

there would be a special adjust in the tope management meeting".

312

[…] The minutes of the meeting show that the agreement for the 5 companies was to raise the price of

17'' CDT by USD 5 "within a month" if the Japanese raise the price in December. The Japanese had

raised the price but the price increase decision was postponed and eventually taken on 8 December

1998.

313

[…]

314

[…]

315

[…]

316

[…]

317

[…]

EN 43 EN

five companies agreed to raise the 17" CDT price

318

. On 15 March 1999

319

, the

companies reported that they had communicated the news about the price rise to

the clients.

(166) On 14 April 1999

320

, facing softening demand, the five companies decided to keep

the 17" CDT price at the current level. On 12 May 1999

321

, they gathered to

monitor their pricing. In this meeting, Chunghwa was reproached for offering

low prices on the 19 inch CDT market and [CDT producer] for the same on the

15" CDT market. Both were instructed to refrain from such practices. Concerns

were voiced over the falling 19 inch CDT price in general and, at the meeting of

21 May 1999

322

, the five companies set the "bottom line" price for 19 inch

CDTs

323

(167) The five companies met again on 23 June 1999

324

and, following a detailed review

of the current prices and market demand, decided to raise the price for 15"

CDT

325

. They further agreed to cut the price of 17" CDT

326

in order to stimulate

demand and to address supply and demand problems. A suggestion was also

made regarding the price of 19 inch CDTs but the decision was postponed to the

next meeting

327

. Chunghwa discussed the progress of the price increase with

Samsung on 7 July 1999

328

and with Philips on 9 July 1999

329

(168) On 23 July 1999

330

, the five companies met again. The meeting participants

reported no sign of the 17 inch CDT market picking up and discussed rumours

about the Japanese low price offers. Following suggestions to adjust the 17 inch

CDT price downward to follow these developments, the arrangement was

nevertheless that a "message will be sent out that the original bottom price of

USD 95 will be strictly guarded". Price fixing arrangements for 14"

331

, 15 inch

332

and 19 inch CDTs were made

333

(169) The price fixing arrangements were closely monitored in the meeting of 28 July

1999

334

and pressure was mounting to cut the 17" CDT price agreed only a

318

[…] It was agreed to raise 17'' CDT price by USD 5 from 1 May from USD 98 to USD 103.

319

[…]

320

[…]

321

[…]

322

[…]

323

USD 175 for 19'' normal CDT, USD 165 for 19'' 0.28 CDT.

324

[…]

325

The agreed price for 15'' CDT would be raised by USD 5 starting 1 August 1999. The price for the key

accounts would be USD 67 […].

326

The agreed price for 17'' MPRII CDT was USD 95 and for 17'' TCO CDT USD 96. The prices were to

be raised starting 1 August 1999. The companies agreed that [CDT producer] may maintain a USD 3

price differential at this stage […].

327

[…]

328

[…]

329

[…]

330

[…]

331

It was agreed that the Taiwanese price for 14'' CDT would be USD 52 and the Chinese local price USD

50. See also the minutes of the meeting of 7 July […] and 9 July 1999 […].

332

It was agreed that the bottom price for 15'' CDT would be USD 67 starting on 1 August 1999. See also

the minutes of the meeting of 7 July […]and 9 July […].

333

It was resolved that the bottom price for 19'' 0.26 TCO CDT would be USD 160. The price difference

between the 0.26 mm and 0.28 mm models was set to USD 10/pc […]

334

[…]

EN 44 EN

week before. Therefore, the meeting participants decided to discuss the 17"

CDT price again in the next meeting

335

. There were warnings voiced in the

meeting not to use lower prices to take market share from other competitors

336

(170) Finally, at the meeting of 10 August 1999

337

, the five companies decided to cut

the 17" CDT price to match the Japanese offer

338

(171) Despite the efforts of the five companies, the price of 17" CDT kept falling. On 4

October 1999

339

, Chunghwa and Samsung met bilaterally to discuss the latest

developments and, consequently, agreed to set a new, lower price

340

. They

jointly called Philips, who accepted the new price. The following day

341

Chunghwa met LGE to check if there was truth in the allegations that "LG has

taken the lead in destroying the market prices"

342

with low price offers.

(172) There were strong suspicions amongst other cartel members about LGE and a

comment scribbled on the margins of the minutes of the meeting of 13 October

1999

343

illustrates this: "[LGE] The worst maker! Attending the meetings, and

yet does not abide by the rules!". The crisis with 17" CDT pricing had reached a

point where the five companies questioned the very foundations of the cartel

("suggestion of whether it’s necessary to change the current style of Glass

Meeting") and the participants were reminded of the rules of the game: "CPT-

[manager] [name] indicated that it was very regrettable that each maker was

not able to plan and conduct synchronously, even though each maker had

agreed on the price of 17”! After the common understandings have been

reached among Top level, the implementation level must do their best to bear

the responsibility of strictly holding prices."

(173) In an effort to find a mutual solution to the price problem, the participants met on

13 October 1999,

344

to discuss in detail the prices and, eventually, agreed on

"bottom line" prices per producer for various 17" CDT customers in October

and November.

345

(174) Rumours about low price offers continued to circulate

346

and, on 20 October

1999

347

, it was reported that [CDT producer] had dropped its 17" CDT price. On

3 November 1999

348

, the five companies met again to discuss their 17" CDT

price quotes to individual companies. The meeting was full of mutual mistrust,

as participants suspected each other of distorting and concealing facts.

335

[…]

336

[…]

337

[…]

338

It was agreed that the bottom price for 17'' CDT was USD 93. A price difference of USD 3 for [CDT

producer] was allowed.

339

[…]

340

USD 91.

341

[…]

342

[…]

343

[…]

344

[…]

345

[…]The customers were EMC, Delta, Sampo, AOC, Acer, ADI and Royal.

346

for example the minutes of the meeting of 26 October 1999 […].

347

[…]

348

[…]

EN 45 EN

Nevertheless, in the meeting of 9 November 1999

349

, they shared the opinion

that "because of the success of Glass Meeting, everybody has been Enjoying

Business this year". Bracing themselves for the "Slow Season", the five

companies agreed on the modalities of the future cooperation: "everybody should

continue to strengthen communications and contacts, so the weekly meetings should

continue to be held on time. However, in order to make friendly contacts and

strengthen mutual trust, the makers agreed that every 3-4 weeks they would take

turns to host a Green Meeting (only two members from each maker) after the

meeting is over".

(175) The five companies met again on 16

350

and 26 November 1999

351

to analyse the

market and on 30 November 1999,

352

they agreed to maintain the current prices

of 15" and 17" CDTs because the "Slow Season" was coming. While the 17"

CDT price was under pressure during this year, the success of the agreed 14"

and 15" CDT price increases were on the other hand confirmed on several

occasions

353

Output limitation

(176) From the very beginning of the cartel

354

, the participants understood that output

limitation was an important means to prevent prices from dropping. The

companies, poised to stop the CDT price decline, understood that simple price

coordination was not sufficient but, at the same time, reducing output was

necessary in order to deal with oversupply. In the meeting of 1 June 1998

355

, the

participants declared that "in order to resolve the current situation of continuous

CDT price drop, other than having all makers guard the price strictly, further

coordination is required to reduce production, reverse the condition of

oversupply and stop the price drop so the price may go back up" and that "the

only way to succeed is for the top management to have the determination

regardless of the utilization rate of the factories, to further initiate

coordination on reduced production to reverse the demand and supply

condition (unlike the current condition of a naturally declined production due

to poor business). Otherwise, by only by having a common understanding in

guarding prices strictly but actively push for increased sales volume before the

oversupply condition is resolved, price cuts that result from vying for orders

would be unavoidable [emphasis added]". This meeting outlined the future

aspirations of the meeting participants not only to hold prices but also to reduce

349

[…]

350

[…]

351

[…]

352

[…]

353

See the minutes of the meetings of 10 August 1999 […]: "Market demand continues to be hot even after

a price increase on 14''/15'', especially demand for 15''" and the minutes of the meeting of 20 August

1999 […]: "After 14'' and 15'' prices were adjusted upward, demand continued to be good". See also the

minutes of the meeting of 20 September 1999 […] where the participants confirmed that the 15'' CDT

"prices had been successfully increased in accordance with the Agreed Price".

354

See the report on the meeting on 28 January 1997 where reference to the need to "reduce work days

temporarily to respond to the customers’ price coercion" is mentioned […]. See further the minutes of

the meeting between Chunghwa and Samsung on 24 February 1997 in which Chunghwa reported that

"everybody has been quite cooperative regarding the implementation of reducing working days" […].

355

[…]

EN 46 EN

production in an attempt to maintain prices and marked the beginning of

structured output limitation arrangements.

(177) In the meeting on 31 July 1998, an output limitation arrangement concerning 17''

CDT was concluded between the five companies

356

. The parties noted an

agreement on a "preliminary operation rate adjustment" of 25% in the third

quarter to stabilise the price and agreed on an additional 4% reduction in

production by each company in order to maintain the price for 17'' CDTs at

USD 93. A detailed plan for reduction in production was drawn up for each

producer. At this meeting, LGE also had to defend itself against the rumours

that it had offered prices lower than USD 93 and agreed not to go below this

price. Furthermore, although LGE proposed a buffer period for the originally

agreed price increase

357

, the resolution of the meeting was that "the price mark-

up had been agreed with no exception to be implemented as of August 1

(178) At the meeting of 9 October 1998, a new output reduction plan concerning 14'',

15'' and 17'' CDTs was also discussed among the 5 companies and various

elaborate scenarios were put forward for discussion concerning each producer

and each of the four quarters in 1999.

358

(179) The meeting participants discussed setting up monitoring teams by regions, also

including England and Austria where Philips and LGE had CDT production

facilities

359

. It was agreed that a plan was to be submitted for the following

meeting.

360

A follow-up meeting, in which the five companies discussed the

production limitation plan further, took place on 20 October 1998

361

(180) In the meeting of 1 March 1999

362

, there was again discussion about reducing the

production of CDTs. While Chunghwa was congratulated for cutting down its

production, LGE was reprimanded for insufficient action. This meeting was

quickly followed by a Glass meeting in Malaysia on 5 March 1999

363

, which

started a series of production limitation arrangements among the 5 companies to

balance out the oversupply of 17'' CDTs. In that meeting, the five companies

agreed to cut their 17'' CDT production. On 15 March 1999

364

, the five

companies met again to review the reduction plans and carried out their

discussion on the basis of tables outlining the plans in detail for individual

factories and production lines per producer and setting out, for example, exact

production stoppage dates, the planned production days compared to "full load"

production as well as planned output compared to output under "full load".

365

356

[…]

357

[…] minutes of the meeting of 18 July 1998.

358

[…]

359

For example, Philips Lebring factory in Austria was producing 15'' and 17'' CDTs and LGE's Wales

plant was producing 17'' CDTs. […]

360

[…]

361

[…] The meeting report refers to an attachment called "4Q/'99 Reduction Plan". […]

362

[…]

363

[…]

364

[…]

365

[…]

EN 47 EN

(181) A monitoring schedule for April - subject to further updates and revisions on

various occasions

366

- was submitted

367

after the 15 March 1999 meeting. On 28

April 1999

368

, a new production limitation plan for May was agreed upon by the

five companies. The May plan was discussed in the meeting of 12 May 1999

369

and monitored in the meeting of 21 May 1999

370

. At this meeting, it was also

agreed that production would be adjusted in June

371

. At the meeting of 23 June

1999

372

, the five companies congratulated themselves for a successful capacity

limitation effort: "various makers have coordinated very well on 17'' Capacity

control in the past three months".

(182) Output limitation for 17'' CDT now became a recurrent operation and production

cuts among the 5 companies were agreed for July and August

373

. On 20 August

1999

374

, the companies agreed on further production cuts for September and, on

375

and 28 September 1999

376

, they agreed on further production cuts for

October. The last documented output limitation arrangement for 1999 was made

on 26 October

377

, when production cuts for November were agreed.

(183) The output limitation arrangements were subject to monitoring and auditing and

detailed auditing plans were created, such as the one for April 1999

378

. In the

April 1999 auditing plan both the stoppage days and the monitoring of

producers were set out per producer and production location for 17" CDTs.

(184) In the meeting of 8 March 1999

379

, the participants decided to organise a special

monitoring team which will "adjust and check production". A report dated 22

August 1999

380

is a good example of how the output limitation arrangements

366

Chunghwa revised its schedule on 9 April 1999 […]. On 14 April 1999, it turned out that LGE had

increased the production of one 17'' CDT production line, thereby having violated "the decision made at

Green Meeting at the end of '98 that no new production line should be established in '99". Therefore,

the producers were to report again their 2Q and 3Q production capacity at the meeting on 28 April 1999

[…]. See also […] for an updated monitoring schedule.

367

[…]

368

[…]

369

[…]

370

[…]

371

[…]"Prices to be maintained by adjusting actual production of 17'' CDT through 5 days of holiday in

June" and "Each company's holiday schedule to be submitted during MTG [meeting] in Taiwan on

May, 28".

372

[…]

373

Production cuts for July and August were proposed in the meeting of 23 June 1999 […] and confirmed

in the meeting of 30 June 1999. The 30 June meeting is referred to in […] ("In the following

Wednesday's regular meeting we shall reconfirm whether to cut six workdays in July"), in […] ("Next

Wednesday (confirm)"), in […] ("To confirm at the Taiwan meeting on June 30 about 5 days off and

additional 1 day off in July") and, indirectly, in […] ("hope to be able to maintain the original

agreement of 5 days in July and 7 days in August"). On 23 July 1999, the July production capacity was

monitored and a production cut for August was revised and decided upon […]: "Ultimately, a resolution

was reached by everyone that a minimum of seven days stoppage will be implemented in August"). A

detailed audit plan was circulated in the meeting of 28 July 1999 […].

374

[…]

375

[…]

376

[…]

377

[…]

378

[…]

379

[…]

380

[…]

EN 48 EN

were monitored. In this report Chunghwa explains its monitoring results of LG's

CRT factory noting that the factory was on 22 August completely shut down:

"After actually touring the inside of the factory to Check various stations such

as MaskPreparation, Screen Coating, Frit Sealing, Exhausting and ITC in

various 17" production lines specially designated, LG today truly stopped their

machines".

(185) Not all auditing efforts were immediately successful, though. In the meeting of 28

September 1999, Chunghwa protested to LGE as follows: "We complained to

L/G regarding their Wales factory staff’s indication that they will not accept

CPT(UK) going to L/G(Wales) to audit before our UK factory begins 17” CDT

production. This action destroyed the group’s agreed Audit principle. We hope

that the L/G headquarters can immediately instruct them to open up to

CPT(UK) […] Meeting attendees have acknowledged that this incident went

against the agreement. L/G already promised to notify its Wales factory

personnel to accept our UK factory staff’s visits".

381

4.3.2.2. Period from 2000 to 2003

(186) By the year 2000, the cartel was fully functioning. The five companies continued

their meetings and as in previous years, continuously reached arrangements on

price fixing and output limitation, and, in addition, on market shares. While the

cartel was fully operational and the meetings of the five companies had a very

standardised form, the year 2001 witnessed an important change in the

composition of the core group of the cartel. In June 2001, Philips and LGE

merged their CRT businesses into the [Philips/LGE joint venture]. Since that

moment, [Philips/LGE joint venture] replaced Philips and LGE in the five

companies meetings (which consequently continued only with four

participants). As for the substance of the cartel, this change had no

importance

382

, some of the individuals previously representing Philips or LGE

in cartel meeting even continued as [Philips/LGE joint venture's]

representatives. Furthermore, following its financial difficulties, [CDT

producer] ended its participation in the cartel by mid 2002

383

. Hence, the

number of CDT producers forming the core group of the cartel stabilized at

three – Chunghwa, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture].

(187) Table 2 gives a summary of the most important multilateral meetings among the

core group of CDT producers in the time period between 2000 and 2003,

including an indication of the type of collusive behaviour that was most

characteristic for each given meeting (see […] for references on further

381

[…]

382

See for example the report of the meeting on 24 July 2001 […] where [Philips/LGE joint venture]

already took part and where the pricing and output limitation were updated in the same manner as

known from previous 5 companies meetings.

383

[CDT producer], originally one of the core companies of the CDT cartel, facing long-term economic

difficulties (and put in bank receivership in July 2003), did not engage in CDT related contacts with

competitors after April 2002 (see Section 2.2.1.10).

EN 49 EN

contacts).

384

As in the previous period, the CDT producers also had regular

bilateral contacts.

385

(188) Table 2:

Date of

meeting

Description of illicit behaviour

Meeting participants

12/1/2000

Exchange of information

386

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

24/1/2000

Price fixing, output limitation

387

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

24/2/2000

Price fixing, output limitation

388

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

25/3/2000

Exchange of information

389

Chunghwa, SDI [CDT producer],

LGE, PH

25/4/2000

Exchange of information

390

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

26/5/2000

Price fixing, output limitation

391

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

20/6/2000

Price fixing, output limitation

392

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

28/6/2000

Price fixing

393

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

10/7/2000

Price fixing

394

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producers], PH,

13/7/2000

Price fixing, output limitation

395

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

11/8/2000

Price monitoring

396

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, PH, [CDT

producers]

21/8/2000

Exchange of information

397

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

21/9/2000

Output limitation

398

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

384

In addition, the table contains references to two meetings in which two CDT producers participated

which were not part of the core group.

385

[…]

386

[…] Information on pricing and production was exchanged.

387

[…]

388

[…]

389

[…] Information on prices and production capacities was exchanged.

390

[…] Information on prices and production capacities was exchanged.

391

[…]

392

[…]

393

[…]

394

[…]

395

[…]

396

[…]

397

[…] Information on prices and sales was exchanged.

EN 50 EN

27/9/2000

Output limitation

399

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

25/10/2000

Price fixing, output limitation

400

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

29/11/2000

Exchange of information

401

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

13/12/2000

Exchange of information

402

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

18/12/2000

Exchange of information

403

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

19/3/2001

Price fixing, output limitation

404

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

12/4/2001

Price fixing

405

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

19/4/2001

Price fixing, output limitation

406

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

27/6/2001

Price fixing, output limitation

407

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer], LGE,

17/7/20001

Price fixing

408

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

24/7/2001

Price fixing, output limitation

409

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

13/8/2001

Exchange of information

410

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

21/8/2001

Price fixing, output limitation

411

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

1/10/2001

Price fixing, output limitation

412

Chunghwa, SDI, [CDT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

23/10/2001

Price fixing

413

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

398

[…]

399

[…]

400

[…]

401

[…] Information on prices and production capacities was exchanged.

402

[…] Information on prices and sales was exchanged.

403

[…] Information on prices and sales was exchanged.

404

[…]

405

[…]

406

[…]

407

[…]

408

[…] The representative of [CDT producer] could not attend but [CDT producer] delivered its data for

the meeting by mail.

409

[…]

410

[…] Information on sales and production was exchanged.

411

[…]

412

[…]

413

[…]

EN 51 EN

17/12/2001

Exchange of information

414

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

28/12/2001

Price fixing

415

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

4/1/2002

Price fixing

416

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

11/1/2002

Price fixing

417

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

18/1/2002

Price fixing

418

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

23/1/2002

Price fixing

419

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture] , [CDT producer]

22/2/2002

Price fixing, output limitation

420

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

5/3/2002

Price fixing

421

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

20/3/2002

Exchange of information

422

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

22/4/2002

Exchange of information

423

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

30/7/2002

Exchange of information

424

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

November

2002

Price fixing, output limitation, market

sharing

425

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

10/1/2003

Price fixing

426

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

20/1/2003

Exchange of information

427

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

414

[…] Information on prices and production was exchanged.

415

[…]

416

[…]

417

[…]

418

[…]

419

[…]

420

[…]

421

[…]

422

[…] Information on sales and production was exchanged.

423

[…] Information on sales and production was exchanged.

424

[…] Information on sales and production was exchanged.

425

[…] see also another of Chunghwa's internal reports about sales and pricing the beginning of 2003 […]

426

[…]

427

[…] Information on prices was exchanged.

EN 52 EN

February

2003

Output limitation

428

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CDT producer]

13/2/2003

Exchange of information

429

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

21/3/2003

Market sharing

430

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

27/32003

Price fixing

431

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

10/4/2003

Exchange of information

432

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

29/4/2003

Market sharing, customer allocation

433

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

May 2003

Price fixing, output limitation

434

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

20/5/2003

Exchange of information

435

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

30/5/2003

Market sharing, output limitation

436

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

9/6/2003

Customer allocation

437

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

12/6/2003

Exchange of information

438

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

17/6/2003

Price fixing, output limitation,

market sharing, customer

allocation

439

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

June 2003

Price fixing, market sharing, customer

allocation

440

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

4/7/2003

Price fixing

441

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

428

[…] concerning production and sales, see also Chunghwa's internal CDT market review […].

429

[…] Information on prices, sales and production was exchanged.

430

[…]

431

[…]

432

[…] Information on prices, sales and production was exchanged.

433

[…]

434

[…]

435

[…] Information on prices, sales and production was exchanged.

436

[…]

437

[…]

438

[…] Information on sales and prices was exchanged.

439

[…]

440

[…]

441

[…]

EN 53 EN

21/7/2003

Market sharing

442

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

29/7/2003

Price fixing, output limitation,

customer allocation

443

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

28/8/2003

Output limitation, market sharing

444

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

24/9/2003

Price fixing, market sharing

445

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

28/10/2003

Price fixing, market sharing

446

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

12/11/2003

Output limitation, market sharing

447

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

26/11/2003

Price fixing, output limitation, market

sharing, customer allocation

448

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

2/12/2003

Price fixing, output limitation, market

sharing, customer allocation

449

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

16/12/2003

Price fixing

450

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

23/12/2003

Price fixing, output limitation, market

sharing

451

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

(189) Arrangements concerning prices, output limitation and market sharing, as referred

to in Table 2 and as documented in the Commission's file by detailed written

evidence, were the standard outcome of the five companies meetings (later four

company and three company meetings) during the period 2000 to 2003 (see also

[…]). Some of the meetings listed above are particularly illustrative as to the

nature of the contacts among CDT producers and will be therefore discussed in

detail.

Price fixing

(190) The evidence shows that, in the time period between 2000 and 2003, CDT

producers continued to frequently agree on prices (in the form of "bottom line"

prices or specific prices for individual customers) and they closely monitored

the implementation of such arrangements. While the main concern was to

prevent prices from falling, the competitors also attempted to increase prices

whenever possible.

442

[…]

443

[…]

444

[…]

445

[…]

446

[…]

447

[…]

448

[…]

449

[…]

450

[…]

451

[…]

EN 54 EN

(191) On 24 January 2000, the five companies set a new "bottom line" price for 17"

CDTs: "Working level suggested adjusting the 17" tube base price down by $1

to $89. But after discussion among the meeting participants, they agreed […] to

keep the $90 bottom price. Beginning from March, because of the increase in

glass prices, the price to major customers will be increased by $1 to $90."

452

(192) The development of prices remained a central issue during the whole year. The

five companies met and agreed on new CDT guidelines for 15", 17" and 19"

CDT prices (effective as of 1 July 2000) in their meetings on 26 May and 20

June 2000

453

(193) The implementation of the July 2000 price increase was monitored

454

in the

working level meeting on 28 June 2000

455

, in the bilateral meeting between

Chunghwa and Philips on 4 July 2000

456

as well as in the five companies

meeting on 13 July 2000

457

(194) Keeping regular contacts, the five companies exchanged their current prices

(noting the lowest price, average price and price guideline per producer) and

updated the price fixing arrangement concerning 15", 17" CDTs during their

meeting on 25 October 2000.

458

Parties agreed that, in order to prevent prices

from sliding, the original price guideline would not be lowered, but that a USD

2.0 deviation was allowed. They also agreed that discounts should not be

increased for key accounts.

(195) On 19 March 2001

459

, the five companies met again to set a new price guideline

for 14", 15", 17" and 19" CDTs for the second quarter of 2001

460

(196) Implementation of this price fixing arrangement was subsequently monitored in

the following meetings, such as in the five companies meeting on 12 April

2001. Samsung claimed in this meeting that it "stole a glance" at prices of the

other two suppliers to one customer and that those would be below Samsung's

prices. Chunghwa and LGE were defensive and the parties agreed that "the

discussion will proceed again at LG in Seoul next week (4/19)".

461

(197) The potential conflict was warded off by the next management level meeting of

thefive companies which took place as agreed on 19 April 2001. The

participants agreed on new price guidelines for 14", 15", 17" and 19" CDTs

462

(198) During their meeting on 27 June 2001,following the same pattern of conduct, the

CDT producers adjusted the prices agreed upon previously

463

. Having further

452

[…]

453

The competitors informed each other about the state of the price increase implementation and about

reactions of customers. […]

454

for example the price monitoring in the meeting on 24 February 2000 […].

455

[…]

456

[…]

457

[…]

458

[…]

459

[…]

460

The agreed upon prices were USD 47 for 14", USD 57 for 15", USD 75 for 17" and USD 100 for 19".

461

[…]

462

USD 47 for 14", USD 57 for 15", USD 74 for 17" and USD 100 for 19" […].

463

[…]

EN 55 EN

discussed prices in the second half of 2001

464

, the four producers (following the

creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] there were only four participants as

explained in Recital (186)) started planning for a price increase arrangement for

early 2002. When Chunghwa, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and SDI met on 28

December 2001, they agreed on a pricing formula for 15", 17" and 19" CDTs to

be implemented on 1 February 2002. The parties agreed on unit price and intra-

group transaction unit price per product size and type. The cartel members'

intra-group sales price was set with a remark "2.5% off" indicating that this

price was set to be 2.5% lower than the price for other customers.

465

(199) This price fixing arrangement was confirmed during the four companies meeting

on 4 January 2002.

466

In this meeting, the participants agreed on exact prices for

15", 17" and 19" CDTs to be quoted for individual customers, on a reference

price per customer and also on the mechanism to be used to communicate the

new prices to customers. A "leading maker" was defined per customer and it

was agreed that the various leading makers would send letters on January 7

and that the "auxiliary makers" should send letters on January 8

. The evidence

shows also that the cartel price fixing arrangements concerned also cartel

members' intra-group sales (see references to PH and LGE among the customers

in the document) and that the price quotations for such intra-group delivery

customers must all be above the reference pricing.

467

(200) On 18 January 2002, representatives of the four companies met to monitor the

implementation of the price increase. In the related meeting report, it reads:

"Despite customers' continued disagreement with the CDT price increase, they

are beginning to understand that it is inevitable. With the willingness and

confidence of each CDT maker attending the meeting, the price increase for

monitor factories should run smoothly this time."

468

(201) A second meeting to monitor the state of the price increase took place on 23

January 2002 and there the four participating companies even saw a possibility

for another price increase by USD 3 in April following a result of the line

utilization-rate review, showing that all production lines were operating at close

to full capacity and demand was therefore estimated to exceed supply. They

decided to take a final decision on this at the next meeting.

469

(202) On 5 March 2002, the next time the competitors met, they were no longer so

optimistic about a price increase in April. Chunghwa noted that it did "not have

pressure to increase necessarily". It also noted down that "during the previous

meeting SDI/[Philips/LGE joint venture] already conveyed that they wanted to

wait for an opportunity and for union negotiations."

470

464

the meetings on 24 July 2001 […], 21 August 2001 […] and 23 October 2001 […].

465

[…]

466

[…]

467

[…]

468

[…]

469

[…] Chunghwa insisted on a further price increase also in the following meeting on 22 February 2002

[…].

470

[…]

EN 56 EN

(203) After a quieter period in the middle of 2002

471

, the next attempt to control prices

followed towards the end of the year. Chunghwa's internal report originating

from November 2002 gives the following account of the situation:

"Being frank to each other, various makers now have arrived at a unanimous

bottom limit on the quoted price for major customers. As for the pricing of the

entire market, it is summarized as: (1) quoted prices for small customers are

lower than those for major customers (2) certain customers’ pricing are on the

low side (for example, AOC and Delta) […]. Everyone has the common

understanding that they must keep the price, and not to have any more option

price for various customers. [Philips/LGE joint venture] suggested that various

makers disclose their 2003 budgets (including sales quantity and sale prices),

and from there, obtain the base price for the entire year. […]. Details are to be

discussed by working level meeting."

472

(204) This is in line with the report of the three companies meeting on 10 January 2003

where it reads: "Jan. Price in 12 customers → No change."

473

(205) After further discussions and adjustments on prices in the meetings on 27 March

2003

474

and in May 2003

475

, the three companies (after [CDT producer's] exit

the cartel comprised Chunghwa, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture], see

Recital (186)) turned their attention to prices again in their meeting on 17 June

2003 again in their meeting on 17 June 2003

476

: "The three makers' major

conflict point regarding prices and market share ratio were 17"FST and

17"Flat. Hence the meeting only focused discussions on the above two. As for

15", since the profits and sales volumes were limited, it was resolved to

maintain the current prices. Prices were basically maintained at the June

prices. Price were fixed for major suppliers, and maintained at a $0.5 more for

secondary suppliers".

(206) In the management meeting on 28 October 2003

477

, new CDT price changes for

various types of 15", 17" and 19" CDTs were agreed with reference to the

previous working level meeting. The parties also agreed that "when demands

weaken and we really have no choice but to drop the price" they would

"propose to customers on coating, frequency etc. to reduce price differential".

478

(207) The top level meeting of 26 November 2003 focused on unresolved issues among

the producers. Concerning prices, the issue of non-compliance with the price

difference of USD 0.5 between the major and minor suppliers (as agreed in the

meeting on 17 June 2003, see Recital (205)) was addressed. Each of the parties

prices for specific customers were reviewed.

479

471

[…].

472

[…]

473

[…]

474

[…]

475

[…]

476

[…]

477

[…]

478

Which took place on 9 October 2003 […].

479

[…]

EN 57 EN

Output limitation and market sharing

(208) As in previous years, CDT producers made numerous arrangements regarding

output limitation in the period from 2000 to 2003. Gradually, arrangements on

market sharing also became one of the central features of the cartel.

(209) In the meeting on 24 January 2000

480

, the five participating companies agreed to

continue capacity reductions for 15" and 17" CDTs by means of stopping

production for several days in February and agreed on the exact number of

stoppage days per producer.

(210) A similar arrangement was reached among the five companies on 24 February

2000 for March

481

, on 26 May 2000 for June

482

, on 20 June 2000 for July

483

and

on 13 July 2000 for August

484

. A very detailed production control and auditing

plan was the result of the five companies meeting on 27 September 2000

485

. In

the same vein, on 25 October 2000

486

, the the five companies agreed to increase

the number of line stoppage days for 15" and 17" CDT from 7 days in October

to 9 in November 2000 in order to maintain stability of pricing.

(211) The same practice followed in 2001: production reduction for April was agreed in

the meeting on 19 March 2001

487

and on 19 April 2001, the five companies

agreed that the number of line stoppage days in May 2001 would be 14. Each of

the five companies was to report on compliance at the next meeting.

488

(212) On 27 June 2001, the five companies adopted a detailed plan for CDT line

shutdowns in July, August and September. Each producer provided a detailed

shutdown plan providing for closure of 30% of their capacity. For LGE and

Philips a joint shutdown plan is shown in the document, which reflects the fact

that they had merged their CRT business in June 2001.

489

Further output

limitation arrangements followed in the second half of 2001.

490

(213) In 2002, the four companies (following the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture]

there were only four participants as explained in Recital (186)) continued

discussing output limitation but the discussion already took the form of planning

shutdowns of whole production lines rather than interrupting production for an

agreed number of days. The agenda for the meeting on 22 February 2002

provides a good example of this

491

(214) Another meeting between Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] in

November 2002 shows their resolve to pursue the established system of output

480

[…]

481

[…]

482

[…]

483

[…]

484

[…]

485

[…]

486

[…]

487

[…]

488

[…] The implementation by Chunghwa of the output limitation agreement is illustrated by its internal

report of 26 April 2001 […].

489

[…]

490

The meetings on 24 July 2001 […] and 21 August 2001 […], production line status was further touched

upon in the meeting on 23 October 2001 […].

491

[…]

EN 58 EN

limitation arrangements. The Commission is not in possession of minutes of the

November 2002 meeting, however, the arrangements made during that meeting

can be reconstructed from Chunghwa's internal CDT market analysis originating

from January 2003

492

: "On the resolution to reduce production capacity next

year, SDI was originally questioned about whether it could follow the resolution

and stop two production lines in the first and second quarter of 2003. SDI

explained that it has stopped half a production line each in Pusan and

Chunghwa

493

. As long as the personnel are relocated smoothly, one more line

stoppage can be accomplished in February, ahead of time."

(215) In November 2002, Chunghwa, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture] noted

the sales reductions in 2003 as agreed in the [managers'] meeting in November

and also accordingly agreed on their global CDT market shares, which for 2003

were to be: CPT 25%, [Philips/LGE joint venture] 30%, and SDI 34%

494

. They

also agreed that "the first twelve major customers' allocations would be fine

tuned by the working level meeting in Taipei."

495

(216) For 2003, evidence in the Commission's file shows a similar behaviour. An output

limitation arrangement between the three companies (after [CDT producer]'s

exit the cartel comprised Chunghwa, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture],

see Recital (186)) was reached in February 2003

496

and output limitation and

market sharing arrangements were again on the agenda of the three companies

meeting on 30 May 2003.

(217) As is apparent from the report from this meeting

497

, competitors also carried on

having

498

negotiations concerning market shares, and concluded that the working

level meetings were not the appropriate forum to resolve them. The same

applies to CDT lines shutdowns. In this meeting, the parties set out preparatory

arrangements on line stoppages and workday reductions noting the future plans

of Chunghwa and SDI and suggested that [Philips/LGE joint venture] shall

propose at the June [manager] meeting its line stoppage or workdays reduction

plan. The reference to the upcoming top level meeting ("the June [manager]

meeting") illustrates the multilayer structure of the cartel and that the lower

level meetings used to prepare the top level meetings as described in Section

4.1.2.

(218) The top level meeting which took place on 17 June 2003 was one of the main

CDT meetings in 2003. Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] took

part and arrangements were reached concerning output limitation and market

shares (market share ratios for each participant) which aimed to "hold market

prices and ensure profits". All three companies confirmed line stoppages and

agreed that a monthly management meeting would again follow

492

[…]

493

It is possible that "Chunghwa" was meant to refer to China in this context, as Korean-speakers

sometimes use the term when referring to China, and not Chunghwa Picture Tubes […].

494

In total this makes 89% which shows that the 3 companies took other market participants into account

when agreeing on their market shares.

495

[…]

496

[…]

497

[…]

498

See further the report on the working level meeting on 9 June 2003 […].

EN 59 EN

implementation. After reviewing actual shipment results from the period from

January to May the parties modified yearly production targets for each customer

and readjusted market share for each party in order to hold prices and ensure

profits.

499

(219) Shares regarding individual customers were also discussed and agreed upon

500

and

the participants further adopted a general strategy to prevent decrease in prices,

according to which "minor vendor should discuss with major before quotation

and follow major's idea."

501

(220) In the next three companies meeting, which took place at the end of June 2003,

participants took concrete steps to implement the resolutions of the 17 June

2003 top level meeting. In that context they noted that for two customers the

market share ratio of the producers followed the resolution of the last week's top

level meeting, but decided to slightly adapt the previously agreed market share

ratios for other customers based on global market share rules as follows: "CPT

27.8%, [Philips/LGE joint venture] 34%, SDI 38.2%".

(221) A more detailed chart depicting the agreed upon market shares per customer for

the second half of 2003 was also drawn up:

502

(222) The growing importance of the market sharing arrangements is also apparent from

the report of the 28 October 2003 which contained the agenda for the upcoming

top level meeting. Determination and monitoring of global market shares and

market shares per major monitor producer for 2004 was the main point on the

agenda along with supply and demand monitoring and the implementation of

output limitation agreements.

503

(223) Market shares were again at issue in the top level meeting on 26 November 2003

where the competitors compared their proposed shares for twelve individual

customers

504

and, having matching proposals for eight of them, they made a list

of the remaining customers for which they were not able to agree on a market

share immediately.

505

(224) In a follow-up meeting on 2 December 2003, the three companies agreed on an

elaborate scheme to calculate their respective market shares for 2004 both

overall and per customer, taking into account the extent to which SDI had

499

[…]

500

[…]

501

[…]

502

[…]

503

[…]

504

The list of 12 customers being completed by the unspecified category "Others" […].

505

[…]

EN 60 EN

exceeded its quota in 2003 and reducing its sales volume for 2004

accordingly.

506

(225) Overall, the series of meetings between Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint

venture] in the period from October to December 2003 (see Recitals (222)-

(224)) demonstrates conclusively how the anticompetitive arrangements

concerning market sharing and output limitation were achieved and monitored

in the time period when the cartel was fully operational. Moreover, it shows the

evolution of the CDT market over the years 2000 to 2003. By the end of 2003,

the market was dominated by the three major producers – Chunghwa, SDI and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] – with only a negligible part of it still occupied by

other manufacturers.

4.3.2.3. Period from 2004 to March 2006

(226) In the period from 2004 until March 2006, the three major CDT producers, that is

Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture], continued having contacts on

a regular basis. Table 3 gives a summary of the three companies meetings that

the Commission has established based on the documentary evidence in its file.

In addition to these meetings, the cartel members continued to have other

contacts, including bilateral contacts (see […] for references on further contacts

between Chunghwa, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture])

507

(227) Table 3:

Date of meeting

Type of illicit behaviour

27/1/2004

Price fixing, output limitation

508

23/2/2004

Market sharing

509

2-3/3/2004

Price fixing, output limitation, market sharing

510

8/3/2004

Price fixing

511

15/3/2004

Price fixing

512

25-27/3/2004

Price fixing, market sharing

513

26/4/2004

Price fixing

514

6/5/2004

Price fixing

515

10/5/2004

Price fixing

516

506

[…]

507

See for example the report concerning the bilateral meeting between Chunghwa and Samsung on 18

November 2005 […].

508

[…]

509

[…]

510

[…]

511

[…]

512

[…]

513

[…]

514

[…]

515

[…]

EN 61 EN

24/5/2004

Price fixing

517

2/6/2004

Price fixing

518

28/6/2004

Price fixing

519

26/7/2004

Price fixing, market sharing

520

9/8/2004

Exchange of information

521

17/8/2004-

18/8/2004

Price fixing, output limitation

522

20/9/2004

Price fixing, output limitation

523

26/9/2004

Output limitation

524

4/10/2004

Price fixing, output limitation

525

26/10/2004

Output limitation, market sharing

526

15/11/2004

Output limitation, customer allocation

527

24/11/2004

Price fixing, customer allocation

528

30/11/2004

Price fixing, customer allocation

529

29/12/2004

Price fixing, output limitation

530

19/1/2005

Price fixing, output limitation

531

24/2/2005

Price fixing, output limitation, market sharing,

customer allocation

532

29/3/2005

Price fixing, output limitation, market sharing,

customer allocation

533

13/4/2005

Price fixing

534

26/4/2005

Price fixing, output limitation, market sharing

535

24/5/2005

Price fixing, output limitation

536

28/6/2005

Price fixing, output limitation, market sharing

537

516

[…]

517

[…]

518

[…]

519

[…]

520

[…]

521

[…] the participants exchanged information on sales and capacities.

522

[…]

523

[…]

524

[…]

525

[…]

526

[…]

527

[…]

528

[…]

529

[…]

530

[…]

531

[…]

532

[…]

533

[…]

534

[…]

535

[…]

536

[…]

537

[…]

EN 62 EN

20/7/2005

Exchange of information

538

26/8/2005

Content of the meeting unknown

539

28/9/2005

Output limitation, market sharing, customer

allocation

540

2/11/2005

Price fixing

541

18/11/2005

Price fixing

542

21/11/2005

Price fixing, market sharing

543

20/12/2005

Price fixing

544

14/3/2006

Price fixing, output limitation, market sharing

545

(228) Table 3 shows that the three major CDT producers carried on having frequent

contacts and that multiple arrangements concerning price fixing, market sharing

and customer allocation as well as output limitation were made in the period

between 2004 and March 2006. The formal pattern of the conduct did not

significantly differ from that of the previous years and the number of

participants involved in the anticompetitive arrangements concerning CDTs

during the last period of the cartel remained limited to three - Chunghwa, SDI

and [Philips/LGE joint venture].

(229) Table 3 further shows that the last documented meeting occurred on 14 March

2006

546

. No single event triggered the end of the regular CDT group meetings,

their continuation seems to have simply become useless.

The market shrank

over this period and the employees of each company responsible for the

management level meetings were transferred within their respective companies

to other locations and assigned to different tasks. New meetings were not

scheduled, and no participant pushed to meet in the absence of a scheduled

meeting.

547

(230) The most representative pieces of evidence regarding price fixing, market sharing

and customer allocation, as well as output limitation arrangements will be

discussed in detail in Recitals (231) - (246).

Price fixing

538

[…] Future capacity and sales plans were discussed.

539

The Commission is not in possession of a meeting report originating from the three companies meeting,

however, a report on the follow-up meeting between Samsung and Chunghwa confirms that the

trilateral meeting took place. The report on the meeting between Samsung and Chunghwa further

suggests that CDT producers, despite of the growing problems, continued their agreements to stabilize

prices and allocate customers […].

540

[…]

541

[…]

542

[…]

543

[…]

544

[…]

545

[…]

546

Even though some limited contacts among competitors occurred after this date. Concerning the contacts

between Chunghwa and Samsung from September to November 2007, see Recital (96).

547

[…]

EN 63 EN

(231) During their meetings which took place between 25 and 27 March 2004

548

Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] agreed on a price increase for

the top six CDT monitor producers as of 1 April 2004

549

; the implementation of

this price increase was monitored during the meetings on 26 April 2004

550

and

on 6

551

and 10 May 2004

552

. During the meetings in May 2004, the three

companies also agreed on a further price increase

553

, the implementation of

which was in turn monitored on 24 May

554

, 2

555

and 28 June

556

, 26 July

557

and

17-18 August 2004

558

. A third price increase in 2004 was agreed during the

meeting on 24 May 2004

559

and confirmed on 28 June

560

, while in August 2004

the companies agreed on the importance of keeping prices stable.

561

(232) This typical pattern, already in place during the previous years, was maintained

throughout the final period of the cartel. Prices were discussed, agreed upon and

monitored almost on a monthly basis, the arrangements sometimes taking the

form of a specific price increase for individual customers and sometimes of

general pricing guidelines or "bottom line" prices for specific CDT sizes. This is

documented, for example, by the reports of the meetings of 20 September

2004

562

, 4 October 2004

563

, 24 November 2004

564

, 29-30 November 2004

565

and

29 December 2004

566

, 19 January 2005

567

, 24 February 2005

568

, 29 March

2005

569

, 13 April 2005

570

, 26 April 2005

571

, 24 May 2005

572

, 28 June 2005

573

, 2

November 2005

574

, 18 November 2005

575

, 21 November 2005

576

, 20 December

2005

577

and 14 March 2006

578

548

[…]

549

[…] the price increase concerned 15", 17" and 19" CDTs.

550

[…]

551

[…]

552

[…]

553

[…] the price increase concerned 15", 17" and 19" CDTs.

554

[…]

555

[…]

556

[…]

557

[…]

558

[…]

559

[…]

560

[…] this price increase was limited to 15" and 17" CDTs.

561

[…]

562

[…]

563

[…]

564

[…]

565

[…]

566

[…]

567

[…]

568

[…]

569

[…]

570

[…]

571

[…]

572

[…]

573

[…]

574

[…]

575

[…]

576

[…]

577

[…]

578

[…]

EN 64 EN

(233) The nature of the price fixing arrangements can be demonstrated on the basis of a

number of documents which illustrate the typical features of the contacts among

the CDT producers.

(234) Chunghwa's internal report originating from the meeting of 25-27 March 2004

reads as follows: "In view of price hike of key materials and tight glass supply,

plan to raise price across the board on all sizes to all customers by USD 2-3

579

And further: "As this wave of price hike comes with a short notice, price would

go up only USD 2-3 at the first stage; we should also inform the customers of a

possible second stage of price hike, so that they can take time to pass on to

OEM customers"

580

. In addition, the report contains exact pricing figures for

individual customers.

581

(235) With regard to the July 2004 price increase, the report of the meeting of 26 July

2004 demonstrates a follow-up discussion concerning price increases in which

the participants discussed difficulties in implementing the increases to some

customers. It was suggested that these should be further discussed and resolved

in upcoming working level and top level meetings.

582

(236) Another explicit price fixing arrangement – this time fixing prices per customer

(including also intra-group sales) - was agreed upon in the meeting on 29

December 2004. The meeting report demonstrates the scheme that Chunghwa,

Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture] had put in place, according to which

each of the three companies was considered a so called "major supplier" for a

specific customer and the other two CDT producers were supposed to follow the

moves of the major supplier and to keep their prices higher so as not to threaten

the position of the major supplier.

583

(237) After a series of meetings in the course of 2005

584

where the parties declared their

intentions to minimise the price decrease or to maintain prices, the meeting

report of 2 November 2005 indicates that the participants agreed to increase

prices by USD 1 to all customers.

585

However, there were problems in the

implementation of this price increase and due to resistance by some customers

the competitors had to return to this point in their next meeting on 21 November

2005 and devise a strategy on how to achieve successful implementation of the

price increase with SDI taking the lead while CPT and [Philips/LGE joint

venture] would follow.

586

(238) The report concerning the next meeting which took place on 20 December 2005

shows that the three companies were less ambitious than in November: "CDT's

continuous volume drop is already an irreversible trend. The three makers have

579

[…]

580

[…]

581

An internal report of [CDT producer] on a meeting held on 2 July 2004 discusses the pass on of the

price increase: "Price of whole monitor set has not been adjusted; it's necessary to remind customers to

pass CDT extra cost to system makers." […] see also Recital (109)).

582

[…]

583

[…]

584

See the meetings on 19 January 2005 […], 24 February 2005 […], 29 March 2005 […], 13 April 2005

[…], 26 April 2005 […], 24 May 2005 […], 28 June 2005 […].

585

[…]

586

[…]

EN 65 EN

a common understanding that price drops cannot create demand but will only

create a vicious cycle of mutual attacks. They hope that each will restrain itself

and not engage in a price competition."

587

(239) And in their last documented multilateral meeting on 14 March 2006, the three

companies discussed prices again, however, without reaching any specific

arrangement, "the three parties agreed to select another date to discuss the

price […]".

588

Market sharing and customer allocation

(240) The three companies also carried on discussing and achieved multiple

arrangements on market sharing and customer allocation in the period from

2004 to March 2006. Monitoring of market shares by comparing planned and

actual sales figures and readjusting the market shares following the latest

developments on the market was also a standard part of the anticompetitive

contacts during the last period of the cartel

589

. In some instances, the discussion

on market shares was recorded in the meeting reports, such as for example the

report from the meeting which took place on 21 November 2005. The meeting

reports states: "Since each maker was insistent, there was no common

understanding. There was an agreement to use the current customer M/S

[market share] as the standard".

590

(241) The report concerning the meeting on 14 March 2006 shows that the three

companies maintained discussions on market shares until the very end of the

cartel. It also demonstrates that market shares were not only discussed and

agreed as aggregated figures for the whole CDT market but that competitors

allocated among themselves specific shares regarding individual customers.

591

The fact that allocation of shares regarding individual customers was also a

common feature of the cartel during its last phase is further demonstrated by

evidence relating to the meetings on 15 November 2004

592

, 24 November

2004

593

and 30 November 2004

594

, as well as 28 September 2005

595

. This

evidence shows the high level of detail in which the discussions on market

shares per customers were held. The parties allocated market shares overall for

2005 as follows: CPT 25.5%, [Philips/LGE joint venture] 33.9% and SDI

37.9%. They further reviewed the actual 2004 results of deliveries and the

resulting market shares per six major customers and prepared market share

allocation per each customer and producer for 2005.

596

587

[…]

588

[…]

589

See the documentary evidence relating to the meetings on 23 February 2004 […], 2-3 March 2004 […],

25-7 March 2004 […], 26 July 2004 […] and 26 October 2004, 24 February 2005 […], 29 March 2005

[…], 26 April 2005 […], 28 June 2005 […], 28 September 2005 […], 21 November 2005 […] and 14

March 2006 […].

590

[…]

591

[…]

592

[…]

593

[…]

594

[…]

595

[…]

596

[…]

EN 66 EN

Output limitation

(242) Concerning the third main cartel feature, there is ample evidence in the

Commission’s file that arrangements on limitation of production were recurrent

until the end of the cartel. Contemporaneous reports relating to meetings on 27

January 2004

597

, 2-3 March 2004

598

, 17-18 August 2004

599

, 20 September

2004

600

, 26 September 2004

601

, 4 October 2004

602

, 26 October 2004

603

, 15

November 2004

604

29 December 2004

605

, 19 January 2005

606

, 24 February

2005

607

, 29 March 2005

608

, 26 April 2005

609

, 24 May 2005

610

, 28 June 2005

611

28 September 2005

612

, as well as 14 March 2006

613

prove that during the last

phase of the cartel, competitors still discussed and agreed on output limitation

on several occasions.

(243) A typical example of how output limitation was discussed can be found in the

meeting report of 4 October 2004. It shows that the participants agreed to

reduce the capacity by specific numbers of CDTs and they also indicated how

many CDT lines each of the undertakings was supposed to close down in

2005.

614

Overall, they agreed to reduce capacity by 20% compared to 2004.

(244) The elaborate scheme of monitoring adherence to the arrangements on line

shutdowns is evidenced by the report of the meeting on 29 December 2004,

which shows that each company assigned two auditors who were to visit the

other companies' plants as from January 2005 to verify compliance with the

arrangements

615

(245) In the same manner as in 2004, Chunghwa, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint

venture] had planned output limitation for 2005 (see Recital (243)), they agreed

on a plan for line shutdowns in 2006 during their meeting on 28 September

2005.

616

(246) In their last documented meeting on 14 March 2006, the three competitors

informed each other about the lines shutdown status as follows: "SDI Suwon

factory will completely stop producing CRT in the near term. Pusan factory still

has 1.5LINES producing CDT. Because there is a problem with unions, it will

597

[…]

598

[…]

599

[…]

600

[…]

601

[…]

602

[…]

603

[…]

604

[…]

605

[…]

606

[…]

607

[…]

608

[…]

609

[…]

610

[…]

611

[…]

612

[…]

613

[…]

614

[…]

615

[…]

616

[…]

EN 67 EN

use the approach of gradually decreasing production. It hopes to completely

SHUT DOWN within this year. […][Philips/LGE joint venture] currently still

has CDT production lines X4LINES in Korea […]".

617

4.3.3. CPT cartel

4.3.3.1. Early years – from 1997 to 1999

Overview of the collusive contacts

(247) Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] engaged in collusive

arrangements at least as of 3 December 1997. Furthermore, the Commission’s

file contains consistent evidence on the cartel involvement of Thomson as of 25

March 1999, MEI as of 15 July 1999 and Philips as of 21 September 1999. In

addition to multilateral cartel meetings these CPT producers engaged in

numerous illicit bilateral contacts in Europe and world wide.

(248) During the initial period of the cartel, the CPT producers (referred to in Recital

(247)) engaged mainly in price fixing, but there is also some evidence of market

sharing and output limitation arrangements. Those companies further exchanged

commercially sensitive information in order to both conclude anticompetitive

arrangements and to monitor them. More specifically, they exchanged detailed

information about planned production and capacity, including planned changes

to line configurations and capacity loading; achieved and planned sales;

forecasts on future demand; pricing and price strategy; sales terms; and about

customers and price and volume negotiations with customers. Prior to the

multilateral meeting of 3 December 1997 such bilateral contacts were

documented already for the period between April and November 1997 and

involved the following companies: Samsung, MEI, LGE, [CPT producer],

Chunghwa, [CPT producer]and [CPT producer]. After the meeting on 3

December 1997, there is evidence that the following companies had such

contacts in 1998-1999: Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, [CPT producers], Thomson,

MEI and [CPT producer]. For further details, see contacts referred to […].

(249) Concerning MEI, who contests in its reply to the Statement of Objections the anti-

competitive character of the bilateral discussions and information exchanges,

further to what is discussed in Recitals (258)-(302), attention is drawn also to

the following bilateral contacts - evidence for which is referred to[…]

618

during which the same types of discussions were carried out as in the

multilateral meetings: the meeting of 9 April 1997 between Samsung and MEI

where the parties discussed their future plans regarding pricing and sales

concerning both CPT and CDT; the meeting of 23 May 1997 between Chunghwa

and MEI where they reviewed production and prices for both CPT and CDT and

in this context discussed the CRT cartel behaviour overall; the meeting of 15

October 1997 between Chunghwa and MEI where they reviewed plans for

production and prices concerning both CPT and CDT with MEI suggesting

"stabilizing the 14" CPT production lines"; the meeting of 5 May 1998 between

Philips and MEI; the meeting of 17 December 1998 between Chunghwa and

MEI; the meeting of 17 March 1999 between Philips and MEI discussing plans

617

[…]

618

[…]

EN 68 EN

concerning production and prices; the […] meetings of 26 March 1999 and 16

April 1999 (meeting minutes show that the latter was attended by Philips,

Thomson, MEI, [CPT producers] and Samsung) which shows detailed

discussions on future production plans per producer (per size: small, medium,

large, VLS) and on the anti-dumping duty on CPT.

(250) Since the inception of separate European meetings to complement the cartel

meetings that had started in Asia, the scope of the arrangements reached was

largely regional or detailed for the main regions. The arrangements reached in

the European and Asian cartel contacts were, however, interconnected in many

ways. European meetings were an extension of the Asian meetings, and focused

more specifically on the market conditions and prices in Europe

619

, whereas the

cartel contacts in Asia more clearly covered worldwide level, including thus

both Asia and Europe. See for example the following meetings

620

: on 29

December 1997 the participants discussed individual companies' planned sales

for 1998 at worldwide level (Recital (261)); on 24 April 1998 Samsung

disclosed its production target for Hungary and Spain ([…]); on 7-8 September

1998 worldwide planned sales volumes of each Asian producer were discussed

and the "bottom line" prices for Asia and Europe were fixed (Recitals (264)-

(270)); on 23 August 1999 the price gaps between the global regions regarding

14'' and 20'' CPTs were discussed, particularly for Europe and Asia (Recital

(278)); on 21 September 1999 analysis of the worldwide market was conducted

and the European market was discussed in detail and compared with markets in

Asia (Recital (286)).

(251) Arrangements concerning the European market were made in meetings that took

place both in Europe and in Asia. The European CPT prices were regularly

followed in the Asian meetings, but the Asian price level was also scrutinised in

various European meetings

621

. There is evidence that capacity reductions in

Asia facilitated the efforts of the cartel to increase prices in Europe and that the

cooperation of Asian producers was seen as essential for the price fixing in

Europe (see for example the meeting of 27 October 1999 referred to in Recitals

(290)-(291), and (301)).

(252) Asian prices were also used as a proxy when the European price level was

discussed, when price fixing arrangements were reached and when it was agreed

that the cartel members would strive to maintain a certain price gap between

these regions reflecting "geographic advantage" in relation to shipping costs

(see for example the meeting of 11 November 1999 referred to in Recitals

(294)-(299) and (301)). These charts from the meeting of 23 August 1999

622

illustrate this as they show the price gaps between the global regions regarding

14'' and 20'' CPTs, particularly between Europe and Asia. As can be seen from

these charts and the meeting minutes, CPT producers aimed to "keep the

reasonable price gap" and endeavoured to increase the European price.

619

[…] Recitals (295), (368), (374), (384).

620

See also Recital (486).

621

See for example Recitals (294), (295).

622

[…]

EN 69 EN

623

(253) These observations referred to in Recital (251) and (252) are confirmed by [party

to the proceedings] who has submitted that when prices in other regions outside

Southeast Asia were out of balance with prices in Southeast Asia, the cartel

participants agreed to attempt to bring those prices into alignment. Hence, the

cartel meetings in Europe were held in furtherance of that agreement in order to

address CPT pricing to European customers.

624

(254) The connection between the Asian and the European meetings is further

evidenced by the fact that some individuals directly participated in meetings

both in Asia and in Europe or were aware of the outcome of both meetings. By

way of example, such individuals were [name]

625

of Philips/[Philips/LGE joint

venture], [name] of [CPT producer]

626

and [name] of Chunghwa

627

. Also [name]

of Thomson, who participated in the European meetings, was fully aware of the

functioning and the agenda of the Asian top level meetings in which the senior

623

[…]

624

[…]

625

[Name] who was a regular participant in the European meetings, attended the meeting of 21 September

1999 in Asia.

626

[Name] attended for example both the European meetings of 2 October 1999 and 11 November 1999,

and Asian meetings of 7 March 1999, 15 April 1999 and 1 June 1999.

627

[Name] of Chunghwa participated regularly in the European meetings but was also informed of the

outcome of the meetings that took place in Asia. […] regularly signed the meeting reports concerning

Asian meetings, for instance those of 7 July and 21 June 1999. In some documents, [name] also appears

written as [name].

EN 70 EN

management of Thomson participated, thereby evidencing the link between the

European and Asian meetings

628

. Therefore, at least these individuals were fully

aware of the cartel arrangements in both Asia and Europe.

(255) Table 4 gives a summary of the most important (mainly) multilateral contacts,

which took place during the initial period of the cartel (see […] for references to

more contacts, including further bilateral contacts):

(256) Table 4:

Date of

meeting

Type of illicit behaviour

Meeting participants

3/12/1997

Price fixing, market

sharing

629

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

16/12/1997

Price fixing

630

SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

29/12/1997

Sales planning

631

SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

14/7/1998

Price fixing

632

Chunghwa, SDI

16/7/1998

Exchange of

information

633

SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

7-8/9/1998

Output limitation

634

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

26/9/1998

Price fixing, output

limitation

635 636

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

24/11/1998

Price fixing

637

SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

27/11/1998

Price fixing, output

limitation

638

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

7/3/1999

Price fixing

639

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

25/3/1999

Exchange of

information

640

SDI, Thomson

9/4/1999

Price fixing

641

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE

15/4/1999

Price fixing

642

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

16/4/1999

Information exchange

643

SDI, PH, Thomson, MEI, [CPT producers]

628

[…]

629

[…] see also the minutes of the meeting of 8 December 1997 […].

630

[…]

631

[…]

632

[…]

633

[…].

634

[…] See also the minutes of the meeting of 9 September 1998 […], referring to the agreements reached

in this meeting.

635

[…]

636

[…]

637

[…]

638

[…]

639

[…]

640

[…]

641

[…]

642

[…]

643

[…]

EN 71 EN

10/5/1999

Price fixing

644

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

20/5/1999

Price fixing

645

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

1/6/1999

Price fixing

646

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

21/6/1999

Price fixing

647

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

7/7/1999

Price fixing

648

Chunghwa, SDI

15/7/1999

Exchange of

information

649

SDI, MEI

16/7/1999

Price fixing

650

SDI, Thomson

29/7/1999

Price fixing

651

SDI, Thomson

23/8/1999

Price fixing

652

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

6/9/1999

Price fixing, output

planning

653

SDI, MEI

7/9/1999

Price fixing

654

Chunghwa, MEI

13/9/1999

Price fixing

655

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

14/9/1999

Price fixing

656

Chunghwa, MEI

21/9/1999

Price fixing

657

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer], PH

2/10/1999

Price fixing

658

Chunghwa, [CPT producer], PH

11/10/1999

Price fixing

659

Chunghwa, PH, [CPT producer]

20/10/1999

Price fixing

660

Chunghwa, [CPT producer], PH

27/10/1999

Price fixing

661

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]

29/10/1999

Price fixing

662

SDI, Thomson

2/11/1999

Price fixing, output

planning

663

SDI, MEI

644

[…]

645

[…]

646

[…]

647

[…]

648

[…]

649

[…]

650

[…]

651

[…]

652

[…]

653

[…]

654

[…]

655

[…]

656

[…]

657

[…]

658

[…]

659

[…]

660

[…]

661

[…]

662

[…]

663

[…]

EN 72 EN

11/11/1999

Price fixing

664

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer], PH

25/11/1999

Price fixing

665

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer], PH, [CPT

producer]

26/11/1999

Production planning

666

PH, SDI, MEI, [CPT producers], Thomson

15/12/1999

Exchange of

information

667

Chunghwa, PH, [CPT producer]

(257) Some of these meetings are particularly illustrative as to the nature of the contacts

– in particular as regards the interrelation between the Asian and the European

meetings – and will be described in detail in Recitals (258) to (302).

The most important meetings and arrangements reached in the period from 1997 – 1999

(258) Although contemporaneous documents show that there were some suggestions to

coordinate prices in the autumn of 1997

668

, the first documented arrangement

was reached on 3 December 1997

669

. In this meeting, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE,

[CPT producers] concurred that oversupply of 14" CPTs was a serious problem

and that "[i]t was necessary for restraining each other in order to avoid

operating at a loss" To this end the companies agreed to set bottom prices for

14'', 20'' and 21'' CPT and reference base prices for the first quarter of 1998 for

14'' CPT. In addition, LGE, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] requested SDI

not to take market share from them, which is reflected in the following notes in

the meeting minutes: "to restrain and not to grab their current SHARE

quantity". Samsung and Chunghwa discussed the outcome of this meeting in a

bilateral meeting held on 8 December 1997

670

(259) Contrary to the claims of [parties to the proceedings]

671

, the report from the

meeting of 3 December shows that the discussion was global and therefore

concerned also Europe. The meeting began with LGE providing a market report

on Global and Southeast Asian Regional Supply and Demand regarding

14"/20"/21" CPTs. The meeting report shows that the attending companies

concluded that world wide supply of 14" CPTs exceeded world wide demand as

the following excerpt of the report indicates: "only in Southeast Asia 20"/21"

supply did not meet demand. In the world, supply was slightly more than

demand" (emphasis added). Attendees proceeded thereafter with a review of

their production in various locations including [CPT producer's] French

production facility ("FRANCE 160K/M") and for Samsung they noted the

following: "SHUT DOWN German plant, MEXICO, U.S.A. production". The

664

[…]

665

[…]

666

[…]

667

[…]

668

See for example the minutes of the meeting of 9 September 1997 between Chunghwa and Samsung

[…]: Samsung "asked CPT [Chunghwa] to coordinate with it on MTV [CPT] prices and to practice

mutual restraint"; and 22 September 1997 between Chunghwa and LGE […]: the following quote from

Chunghwa to LGE relating to Samsung appears to suggest that there was a price agreement between the

three manufacturers on 14'' CPT: "We told them that SEDM broke the agreement by OFFERing SREC

C 14'' BARE TUBE @ lower than @ USD 37" .

669

[…] see also the minutes of the meeting of 8 December 1997 […].

670

[…]

671

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 73 EN

customers mentioned in the meeting minutes include customers from different

geographic areas, not only Asian customers. The meeting minutes mention for

example Aiwa, Sanyo, Sharp, Grundig, Vestel and Funai. As a result of the

supply and demand analysis carried out in the meeting the attendees were

concerned about falling prices and that this would cause each company to

opearate at a loss. They agreed to implement bottom prices as suggested by

LGE. As explained in Recital (258), the parties proceeded in the meeting to

concert on market shares. Therefore, it is clear that these arrangements were

made on a world wide level.

(260) Contrary to [party to the proceedings]

672

arguments regarding the meeting of 3

December, [CPT producer] itself requested the other participants to respect

existing market shares and insisted on setting bottom prices. Also, unlike [party

to the proceedings] argues, the minutes of the meeting of 8 December 1997

confirm the arrangement reached in the meeting of 3 December 1997 not to take

market share from others. This is explicit from the following statement in the 8

December meeting minutes: "he was at least to be more assured of each other

that they should not grab various makers' original customers' supply

opportunity and supply volume".

(261) Another documented cartel arrangement was reached on 16 December 1997

673

when SDI, LGE and [CPT producer] held a meeting in Korea to discuss pricing

towards some joint customers. They agreed on price guidelines for 25'' and 29''

CPTs. Contrary to [party to the proceedings] claim, the fact that Samsung's and

[CPT producer]'s prices for Italian customer Mivar were discussed at the

meeting, shows – in addition to the price agreement reached – that the meeting

was anticompetitive and that the arrangement reached also covered Europe.

[Party to the proceedings] has provided information on its sales from the

beginning of 1998 and this data shows that Mivar was [party to the proceedings]

customer.

674

In a follow-up meeting on 29 December 1997

675

, the same

companies met and discussed their production and sales of CPTs in 1997 and

their planned sales for 1998. In response to [party to the proceedings] arguments

in its reply to the Statement of Objections, the Commission points out that the

participants exchanged sales results of CPT at world wide level including

Europe from January until November 1997 and discussed the sales plans for

1998, therefore continuing their anticompetitive discussions.

(262) The core group (consisting of Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, [CPT producers])

continued to coordinate their activities in 1998. On 14 July 1998

676

, Chunghwa

and SDI discussed CPT pricing. They noted that the 14'' CPT price was

dropping and SDI hoped that the price could be maintained in the fourth quarter

("4Q"). Contrary to [parties to the proceedings'] claims in reply to the Statement

of Objections

677

, the minutes of this meeting clearly show that the discussions

had a global character which is confirmed by the fact that the meeting – as

672

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

673

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

674

[…]

675

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

676

[…]

677

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […] and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 74 EN

appears to have become the habit of the participants (see Recitals (258) to

(261)) – started with a review of production and market situation on world wide

level. Companies noted that: "The European and American market demands are

steadily moving towards the traditional high season" (cited by [party to the

proceedings] in its reply to the Statement of Objections) and "SAMSUNG’s CTV

business took serious blows in CIS and Mid-East, resulting in high inventory to

SEC’s various overseas CTV factories". Moreover, contrary to [party to the

proceedings] claims, illicit behaviour took place and Samsung was actually

itself taking the initiative as the following quote in the minutes from the meeting

on 14 July 1998 shows: "SEDM hopes that we can maintain the CPT pricing in

4th Q. It requested that we try to convince our customers to stabilize the 3rd Q.

price to jointly make some marginal profits."

(263) On 16 July 1998

678

, SDI, LGE and [CPT producer] met and discussed each other's

CPT prices and supply. In response to [party to the proceedings] and [party to

the proceedings] claims in their replies to the Statement of Objections

679

, the

Commission notes that the documents reporting on the meeting again show

discussion at world wide level and also contain direct references to Europe. For

example, in point 2 of the discussion regarding the situation of [CPT producer]

there is reference to sales of 14'' CPTs to Europe, during the discussions on

production line status the participants mention the line status with respect to

[CPT producer], also regarding the lines located in Mexico, USA, Poland and

France and, with respect to [CPT producer]'s production, a reference is made to

the possibility of importing from Korea. The following excerpts from the

minutes of the meeting illustrate this: "[CPT producer]: [CPT producer]

Poland, France – in full supply. Possible to import Korean products";

"Inventory level France 100 K". Hence, the discussions extended to European

plants and imports to Europe.

(264) On 7 - 8 September 1998

680

, a meeting among Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT

producers] took place in Korea. At this meeting, world wide sales volumes

regarding 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs were exchanged and world wide target

volumes for 1998 were discussed. The following topics were at issue in the

meeting:

– "Don't attack other's customer by lowering the price

– Keep the current supply pattern

– Increase price by decrease production

– Should be price gap between makers

– Industry should understand in reasonable rate

– Reduce production for the customers"

681

(265) Recital (264) contains a summary of some of the key elements of the cartel,

regularly recurring also in later meetings

682

: market sharing, customer allocation

and output limitation with a view to increasing or maintaining prices.

678

[…]

679

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […] and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]

680

[…] See also the minutes of the meeting of 9 September 1998 […], referring to the agreements reached

in this meeting.

681

[…]

EN 75 EN

(266) The participating companies – Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer] and [CPT

producer] – "agreed to adjust production/sales quantity to cope with the over-

supply market" of 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPT for the fourth quarter according to a

specific formula. The following extract from the 7-8 September 1998 meeting

minutes

683

(concerning the agreed upon output limitation by 10% for 14" CPT)

shows how the companies agreed to reduce the production and how they shared

the market per tube size. Market shares and output limitation (with a planned

reduction of 20%) formulas for 20'' and 21'' CPTs were agreed in the same

manner. The plan concerned the worldwide market for all involved Asian

producers

684

(1) 14" Reduce: 10% Quantity: 1,542kpcs

685

(267) The extract in Recital (226) shows how the companies agreed on their respective

sales quotas for the fourth quarter ("4Q") in 1998 per tube size on world wide

level. This was clearly done to support the price fixing arrangement reached in

this meeting. More precisely, the meeting participants agreed on bottom prices

for 4Q in 1998 for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs. The extract from the 7-8 September

1998 meeting minutes

686

below depicts the details of this arrangement. This is

the first document in the Commission's file showing clearly how European

prices (in this case 14'' CPT) were followed and taken into consideration when

price fixing arrangements were made in Asia:

682

See for example Recitals (271), (297).

683

[…] [CPT producer] was not included in this production limitation plan as the participants agreed that it

did no need to reduce production volume, on the condition that it operates only in Thailand and keeps

the same price level as the other producers for local export customers.

684

[…]"W.ACT" stands for "worldwide planned sales volume per each picture tube maker in Asia region".

685

PRQ stands for "preliminary reduction quantity", FRQ for "final reduction quantity".

686

[…]

EN 76 EN

(268) [Parties to the proceedings] have in their replies to the Statement of Objections

presented arguments relating to the meeting of 7-8 September 1998.

687

Concerning [party to the proceedings'] argument that in the table presented in

the meeting minutes the section including prices of 14'' CPTs in Europe would

only include current prices that were used as a benchmark for further

discussions on Asian prices, it must be noted that in the meeting minutes that

table was introduced with the statement: "The meeting attendees discussed

everyone’s prices and Q4 price review and have reached a common

understanding for the Bottom Price as follows". This statement together with

the layout of the table confirms that the agreement ("PRO Q4", referring to the

agreement on reduction of quantity for the fourth quarter) covered all regions,

Europe, North America and South-East Asia. Contrary to [parties to the

proceedings'] arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections, the "PRO Q4"

did not and could not relate only to Asia if the parties were taking into

consideration prices, capacity and sales in other regions too, including Europe.

Moreover, as the table shows, current prices in Europe, North-America and

South-East Asia were very close and for Samsung and Chunghwa identical, and

the row "PRO Q4" does not make any distinction between geographic areas.

Additionally, contrary to the arguments of [parties to the proceedings] in their

replies to the Statement of Objections, the fact that the table contains a separate

section for "EUR/NAI" region further confirms that it relates to the agreement

reached on bottom prices for Europe, it would be illogical to entitle a section

EUR/NAI if it was referring to the North American Free Trade Agreement

("NAFTA") region only as [parties to the proceedings] claim.

(269) [Parties to the proceedings] in their replies to the Statement of Objections argued

that the attendees of this meeting excluded Europe from their discussion by

citing the following excerpt from the minutes: "This discussion excluded areas

687

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […] and […] reply

to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 77 EN

where the meeting attendees are not able to control on supply volume and price,

such as the markets in Turkey (direction of pricing), Europe, North America

(except 14''), and South America"

688

. The Commisison notes that even if the

meeting was primarily focused on particular arrangements for Asia, particularly

as the meeting on 7 September appears to have been attended by working level

employees, there are elements in the extensive meeting reports showing that

there was an overarching global arrangement regarding the supply parameters .

First, it is uncontested that the meeting participants agreed on their market

shares (sales volumes) and output limitation for 14", 20" and 21" CPTs on a

world wide level (the document shows in this respect both world wide and

Asian arrangements). As is noted in the Table 4, this was the core element of the

cartel arrangements discussed in the meeting on 7-8 September 1998, that was

identified for the purposes of Commission's investigation. Second, it appears

from the document that when setting the bottom price, the participants in that

meeting were taking into consideration prices in Europe and North America.

(270) In the meeting of 7-8 September 1998, the producers also discussed how to quote

the bottom prices to different types of customers (for example medium and

small customers) but could not reach an arrangement at this time. They agreed,

however, on the importance of strengthening the communications and to

"continuously hold monthly meetings". The participants "temporarily decided to

combine the meeting with CDT meeting here after"

689

(271) On 26 September 1998

690

, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers] met again. The

companies monitored the output limitation and price fixing arrangements made

in the 7-8 September 1998 meeting and agreed on a new "production cut

formula" (meaning a new arrangement regarding the reduction of production)

for the fourth quarter of 1998, leading to a planned 13,5% reduction for 14''

CPTs and 11% reduction for 20'' and 21'' CPTs. They also agreed to maintain

the minimum prices and the current prices for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs. In order

to safeguard the pricing agreement, Chunghwa also requested in the meeting

that, each party ought to maintain its current market share.

691

In response to the

arguments of [parties to the proceedings] that the prices for Philips had been

added by Chunghwa as an internal note for its own use, the following excerpt of

the minutes shows that the discussion was of a global nature and that the Philips

prices, on which [parties to the proceedings] argue, were discussed during the

meeting: "According to the claims of [name] of [CPT producer], their Q3 price

(ITC Tube) to PH in North America was 14”- USD34.00/pcs, 20”-

USD55.50/pcs (Chunghwa Picture Tube →PH Europe 14”- USD33.00/pcs,

20”- USD54.50) and wants to maintain the original pricing for Q4 (Chunghwa

Picture Tube →PH in Europe 14”- USD32.00/pcs, 20" USD53.50) [Underlined

by hand] but this has not been confirmed yet". This shows that parties discussed

prices to the same customer across the world. Following [party to the

proceedings]'s arguments in its reply to the Statement of Objections regarding

the geographic scope, it also must be noted that, in addition to the information

688

[…]

689

[…]

690

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]

691

[…]

EN 78 EN

regarding the completion of the construction of the LGE's plant in Wales,

parties also discussed in this meeting future production plans for that plant for

1998 and 1999, as well as production in Germany, which is further evidence

that the output limitation arrangement monitored here after the meeting of 7-8

September 1998 was world wide and that the anticompetitive discussions in this

meeting also related to Europe.

(272) As became more evident in later meetings

692

, a certain price gap existed between

the global regions (Southeast Asia, Europe, NAFTA) and prices in Europe were

frequently monitored in relation to the Southeast Asian pricing. The minutes of

the 26 September 1998 meeting and the references to "PH Europe" therein

show how the participants (Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]) compared

and concerted on 14'' and 20'' CPT prices for an individual customer in Europe

and North America.

693

(273) On 24 November 1998

694

, SDI, LGE and [CPT producer] met in Korea in

preparation for the multilateral meeting of 27 November 1998. In the meeting

on 24 November 1998, they monitored the arrangements reached on 7-8

September and 26 September 1998. The three producers also agreed on the

prices for the first quarter in 1999 for some of the key customers. These

discussions were world wide in scope and included also some express

references to Europe

695

. In the 27 November 1998 meeting, the participants

reviewed the production capacity, the planned production volume and the prices

for the first quarter of 1999 for each maker.

696

In response to [party to the

proceedings'] arguments in its reply to the Statement of Objections, the

Commission notes first that this meeting must be assessed together with the

previous meetings, in particular together with the discussions at the 7-8

September 1998 meeting involving world wide sales reduction arrangements. In

the meeting of 7-8 September 1998, LGE's world wide capacity ratio was

agreed to be 92%. In the meeting of 27 November 1998 LGE itself explained

that its single production line for 14" CPTs was supplying customers world

wide and that thanks to this it was able to maintain the utilization ration at about

90%. Moreover, in the "market overview" at the outset of the meeting it was

noted that some "second tier tube makers" were using low prices to "grab"

orders and it was agreed that LGE and Chunghwa (in this situation CPTUK)

would investigate this regarding the following producers and ask them to keep

their current selling prices: "LG →Rainbow/Samte, CPTUK→Ekranas". This

confirms that the meeting participants continued to collude at world wide level

on volumes and prices. In response to [party to the proceedings'] arguments in

its reply to the Statement of Objections the Commission notes that the 27

November 1998 meeting reports show that the participants were planning to

induce [CPT producer] to participate in the cartel contacts, with [CPT producer]

agreeing to raise the issue officially with [CPT producer], and that the 24

692

See for example (337).

693

[…] The acronym ITC (Integrated tube component, as opposed to bare tube) that appears in the minutes

is a term used to describe the CPT product after the process that secures the deflection yoke to the tube.

694

[…]

695

See for example "Turkey MKT– Thomson Philips, low price (compared to Europe price)"; "Try CPT

UK"; "[CPT producer](UK) 30.3 CNF" [highlight added], […].

696

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 79 EN

November 1998 meeting reports show that the cartel memebers had been

supplying [CPT producer] with their confidential business information.

(274) The core group – consisting of Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers] –

continued to meet regulary in the following year. On 7 March 1999

697

, they met

in Malaysia and agreed to set an overall bottom price for 20'' CPTs

698

and the

14'' CPT

699

prices for their joint customers for the second quarter

700

. In response

to [party to the proceedings'] arguments in its reply to the Statement of

Objections the Commission points out that [party to the proceedings]

summarises this meeting […] as follows: "The participants discussed, inter alia,

supply and demand in East-Asia and Europe, pricing and operations and

capacity status for each of the companies". This is in line with the meeting

report, which shows that the parties, following an already established pattern,

carried out a world wide review of supply and demand – including future plans

regarding each producer's capacity for 14" and 20"/21" CPTs – following which

the parties set their price agreement. When discussing pricing to individual

customers, 14" CPT prices for Thomson were explicitly mentioned in the

agreement. The parties also discussed Toshiba's production capacity, sales

volumes and prices for the second quarter of 1999 which related to the future

and was not publicly available information. The note keepers in the meeting on

7 March 1999 use references to both "TSB", which they usually used for

Toshiba Corporation, and [acronym], which they usually used for [CPT

producer]. Moreover, Toshiba itself points out in its reply to the Statement of

Objections

701

that [CPT producer] declared that it would request that Toshiba

increases prices. The arrangements were monitored on 9 April 1999

702

in a

meeting between Chunghwa, SDI and LGE.

(275) Thomson joined the cartel meetings in the first half of 1999. The first piece of

contemporaneous evidence of Thomson's participation in the cartel is a report of

a meeting between Thomson and Samsung on 25 March 1999

703

. The meeting

took place in Paris. The companies exchanged detailed information on

production and capacity plans for 2000 and long-term line operation strategy.

Thomson's strategy as regards its factory in Poland

704

was discussed in detail

and the meeting report suggests that the future strategy of this plant had also

been discussed in a recent "Top meeting" ("This was suggested in the Top

meeting held last month and is under review"). Thomson and Samsung further

discussed market forecast for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs, future prices for 21" CPTs

and compared their prices and other producers' prices in Asia and in Europe.

705

(276) Thomson and Samsung further reviewed the situation on middle and large size

CPTs (including wide and super flat CPTs) and discussed price cooperation on

middle sized CPTs. Samsung stated that "Middle size CPT price cuts should be

697

[…]

698

20'' Bare tube CPT USD 47.

699

Between USD 28.2 and USD 32 for the customers SREC, Thomson, Aiwa, Orion, Funai and JVC […]

700

[…]

701

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

702

[…] Also [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] were invited to this meeting, but they did not attend.

703

[…]

704

[…]

705

[…]

EN 80 EN

discontinued" and that, if necessary, it would mediate between Thomson and

Philips to reach a price agreement. The meeting report suggests that a price

agreement between Thomson, Samsung and Philips would be necessary to stop

prices from decreasing.

706

Following their price discussions in the meeting on 25

March 1999, on 16 July 1999, Thomson and Samsung agreed in a telephone call

on "countermeasures to cut price demands" of the customer Grundig by setting

the prices for 20" and 21" CPTs for this customer for the second half of 1999.

707

(277) On 15 April 1999

708

, a meeting between Chunghwa, SDI, LGE and [CPT

producer] was held in Korea. In this meeting, a new arrangement for 14'' and

20'' CPT prices was made for the third quarter

709

. This arrangement was reached

following a review of the supply and demand situation at the world wide level,

including discussion on future, second quarter volume plans per producer for

14" and 20"/21" CPTs. As a result, the parties concluded that there is world

wide shortage in the third quarter providing them with an opportunity for a price

increase. The participants also agreed to select "team leaders", each of which

would communicate the price increase to one of the "special customers".

Furthermore, they set up a monitoring plan and agreed to organise bi-monthly

management meetings and monthly working group meetings. The nature of the

arrangements is illustrated in the meeting minutes of 1 June 1999

710

, which

show that by a mutual arrangement to refuse to supply, the companies tried to

make sure that the customers would accept the price increase.

711

(278) The monitoring of the arrangements reached on 15 April 1999 constituted the

main feature of the cartel for the rest of the year. Follow-up monitoring

meetings took place on 10 May 1999

712

and 20 May 1999

713

(between

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE and [CPT producer]); on 1 June 1999

714

and 21 June

1999

715

(between Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]); on 7 July 1999

716

(between Chunghwa and SDI); on 23 August 1999

717

(between Chunghwa, SDI,

LGE, [CPT producers]); and on 13 September 1999

718

(between Chunghwa,

SDI, LGE, [CPT producers]).

(279) A number of minutes from meetings in 1999 show how the core group also

attempted to get other companies to join in the price increases: [CPT producers]

706

[…]

707

To DEM 97-99 for 20" and approximately DEM 102 for 21" […].

708

[…]

709

For general customers: 14'' Bare CPT USD 30, 14'' ITC CPT USD 33.50, 20'' Bare CPT USD 50, 20''

ITC CPT USD 54.50; Special customers see table on […]. Application was from 1 July. [CPT

producer] also agreed to join in the price increase and apply new prices to its Turkish customers (see

Recital (278)).

710

[…]

711

[…]

712

[…]

713

[…]

714

[…]

715

[…]

716

[…] the minutes of the meeting mention also a possible collaboration for the 4Q in order to "continue

increasing the 14''/20'' selling price".

717

[…]

718

[…]

EN 81 EN

719

, MEI and [CPT producer] were approached. More particularly, on 7 March

1999

720

[CPT producer] declared that it would request Toshiba ("TSB") to

increase prices. LGE and [CPT producer] were given the task of contacting

[CPT producer]

721

in order to make them follow the price fixing arrangement

reached on 15 April 1999. In response to [party to the proceedings]'s

722

arguments in its reply to the Statement of Objections concerning the meeting of

20 May 1999, the Commission notes that during that meeting [CPT producer]

declared that it would contact [CPT producer] to notify them of the price

agreement (meaning the agreement reached on 15 April 1999) and the schedule

for sending price letters to customers. In that context the participants also shared

commercially sensitive information about Toshiba's orders (demand, supply and

surplus) for the third quarter of 1999 (reference made in the minutes to "TSB"

instead of "[acronym]" appear to indicate that meeting participants were

speaking about Toshiba, not [CPT producer]), when the price increase was due

to be implemented, as well as for the first and second quarter of 1999. These

meeting minutes confirm the agreement of 10 May 1999 that [CPT producer]

(and LGE) would contact [CPT producer] to request that it joins the price fixing

arrangement. On 21 June 1999, contrary to what [party to the proceedings]

submits, the meeting participants discussed price increases also with reference

to [CPT producer] when discussing implementation of the agreement reached

on 15 April 1999. During this meeting the participants discussed five customers

and [CPT producer] was discussed with regard to one of them (Aiwa) for whom

[CPT producer] was the largest supplier. According to the meeting minutes,

Aiwa did not take the agreed price increase well. [CPT producer] informed the

other participants that [CPT producer] would visit Aiwa shortly and then report

back.

(280) On 20 October 1999

723

, [CPT producer] informed Chunghwa of the progress of its

14'' and 20'' CPT price increases to specific customers. According to the

meeting minutes, [CPT producer]: "[…] pointed out that the current prices are

still too low […] it would be better if the prices can reach 14”: $32, and 20” at

$50 (Bare)." Others had noted Toshiba's delay in implementing price increases

already in the previous meetings. In the meeting of 10 May 1999 LGE and [CPT

producer] declared they would contact [CPT producer] and would request that it

follow the price agreement. In the meeting of 20 May 1999 [CPT producer]

declared again that it would contact [CPT producer] to notify it of the price

agreement and the participants shared information about Toshiba's orders for the

third quarter of 1999. In the meeting of 23 August 1999 [CPT producer]'s

representative declared that he would arrange a meeting with [CPT producer]'s

high level management to persuade it to follow the price increase.

719

[CPT producer] was invited and agreed to join in the price increases concerning Turkey […]. Following

reports of the successful implementation of the price increases agreed on 15 April 1999 in Asia, [CPT

producer] reiterated its intention to join in the price increases […].

720

[…]

721

See the minutes of the meeting of 10 May 1999 […].

722

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

723

[…]

EN 82 EN

(281) It was further reported that [CPT producer]

724

- "following communications with

SDI" - had raised the price of its 14'' Bare CPT

725

and that [CPT producer]

agreed to follow the action by also increasing its prices

726

in September, thereby

adhering to the price fixing arrangements reached on 15 April 1999

727

(282) On 15 July 1999

728

MEI (represented by EMEC) had a meeting with Samsung

(represented by SEB) where they discussed MEI's future plans and timetable for

the introduction of Pure Flat CPTs. They also discussed current European

prices for 28'' CPTs and EMEC's (MEI's) possibilities to stand the pressure on

prices in case the price should fall in the future. In the context of this discussion

point it was explicitly stated that the purpose of Samsung and MEI is to create

"more of a collaboration than competition aimed at defending against Philips

and Thomsons's offense". Therefore, contrary to the arguments of [party to the

proceedings]

729

in its reply to the Statement of Objections, the meeting was anti-

competitive. Contrary to [party to the proceedings'] claim in reply to the

Statement of Objections, [party to the proceedings] has confirmed that "[content

of the information exchange relating to Europe]"

730

occurred in the meeting.

This is also consistent with the first documented evidence on the involvement of

Thomson (see Recital (275)). Samsung held bilateral meetings with both MEI

and Thomson.

(283) On 6 September 1999

731

, MEI had a meeting with Samsung and discussed pricing

and production plans for 2000. Contrary to its reply to the Statement of

Objections

732

, during the investigation [party to the proceedings] itself admitted

participation in this meeting and stated that discussions concerned production

capacity, prices and production plans at world wide level, hence also including

Europe. In addition to price discussions regarding 15'', 21'', 25'' and 29''Flat

tubes - to which [party to the proceedings] admit in the reply to the Statement of

Objections - the meeting report also shows discussions on 28'' CPT price in

Europe (Germany) and on Samsung's German plant's production plan for year

2000. In this meeting Samsung and MEI clearly discussed production and price

plans at world wide level. MEI and Samsung discussed pricing and capacity

again on 2 November 1999

733

. Contrary to the claim of [party to the

proceedings] in its reply to the Statement of Objections, the meeting was

anticompetitive as future intentions regarding capacity and prices were

discussed. In that meeting Samsung and MEI reviewed their production line and

price status and discussed future plans regarding these parameters of

competition. Following that discussion, a representative [CPT producer] notes

in the meeting minutes that a question was raised as to whether MEI would

724

Minutes of the meeting of 23 August 1999 […].

725

From USD 29.5 to USD 30.5.

726

By USD 1.

727

Minutes of the meeting of 10 May 1999 […].

728

[…]

729

[…] reply to Statement of Objections, […].

730

[…]

731

[…]

732

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

733

[…], see also […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 83 EN

participate in the "5 companies meeting" and continues with a remark that MEI

would need to contact headquarters for that decision.

(284) On 7 September 1999

734

, Chunghwa informed MEI about the progress of the price

increase agreed on 15 April 1999 at world wide level. MEI told Chunghwa that

"it would start raising 20'' price in October". MEI confirmed this again in the

bilateral meeting on 14 September 1999

735

. Contrary to [party to the

proceedings] arguments in its reply to the Statement of Objections, the meeting

report of 7 September 1999 shows that there was discussion on the "current

price increase" referring to the increase agreed in April (see Recital (277) and

(278)), which was not limited to Malaysia. MEI's CPT Manager indicated that

internally there was already a plan which would be negotiated with the

customers shortly and that MEI would start raising 20" CPT prices in October

1999. Before the price increase discussion, the meeting minutes report

discussion on output planning and note that for 20"/21" CPTs "it is estimated

that all would run full starting from November", which seems to have been the

basis for the planned price increase. In the minutes of the meeting of 14

September 1999 there is again confirmation that MEI would start raising prices

for 20'' CPTs in October: "In August and September, there were many 20''

orders moving towards M-MEC. M-MEC has already considered making

contact, increasing beginning October". The report notes that the main purpose

of the meeting was "to communicate sufficiently CPT's plant's price adjustment

… The hope is that this will increase the mutual understanding ….".

(285) However, on 13 September 1999

736

, in a meeting between Chunghwa, SDI, LGE,

[CPT producers], the meeting participants established that another important

CPT producer, namely Philips, had not increased its CPT price. The participants

therefore concluded

737

that "the biggest trouble maker is actually PH [Philips]"

and they agreed to invite Philips to join their meetings "in order to stabilize the

market".

738

(286) Philips accepted the invitation and participated in the multilateral meeting on 21

September 1999

739

in Taiwan, with Chunghwa, SDI, LGE and [CPT producer].

Although Philips had been in anti-competitive discussions with competitors

before

740

, this is the first documented meeting which launched Philips' regular

734

[…]

735

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

736

[…]

737

Also with reference to Philips' low prices in Brazil […].

738

Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] had already understood the need to

cooperate in Europe earlier on. This is further demonstrated by the meeting of 23 August 1999, where

they had identified [CPT producer] as one of the culprits "who have been destroying the market price

with low-price competition". It was agreed that [CPT producer] should try to convince [CPT producer]

to follow the price agreements […]. It was further agreed that "Europe price should be normalized

(keep the reasonable price gap) – try to increase European price".

739

[…]

740

By way of example, on 13 May 1999, Philips met [CPT producer] in Seoul. Among other things, the

companies discussed their European operations […]. On the following day, 14 May 1999, Philips met

Samsung in Seoul. Samsung expressed an interest "to share market data two times per year (once in

Eindhoven, once in Korea)" […].

EN 84 EN

participation in the multilateral meetings. In this meeting, it was agreed that

Philips would attend the working level meetings

741

(287) In the 21 September 1999 meeting, a thorough analysis of the world wide market

was conducted. The European market, especially the 14'' CPT price, was

discussed in detail. SDI stated that it did not understand why prices for 14"

[CPTs] were lower in Europe than in Asia and called for more cooperation on

the European market, suggesting "SDD/[CPT producer] /CPT/PH/TCE to have

Regular meetings to exchange market information and to set price."

742

Philips

defended itself by saying that "approximately one year ago, everyone had

agreed to increase price, but in the end only PH increased price". Chunghwa

responded that price fixing arrangements had already been reached but not

followed: "CPTUK and PH collectively increased price for Spanish customers

Tecnimagen but lost order, it may be because the orders went to SDDM". The

participants agreed to maintain the prices which had been agreed on 15 April

1999

743

for 14'' and 20'' CPTs

744

for the fourth quarter in 1999. In response to

[party to the proceedings'] arguments

745

, the Commission notes that the meeting

minutes explicitly show that Toshiba headquarters were aware of the cartel

meetings. Namely, in the context of reporting discussions on production

capacities and prices relating to [CRT producer], the minutes note that "TSB's

Japanese headquarters had sent a letter requesting that [acronym] not

participate in the TV Glass meeting"

746

and that "TSB does not attend the

meeting, so we can only separately pay visits to them to convince them to

increase price as discussed in the meeting." Thereafter the meeting minutes

continue to explain that [CPT producer] had not yet increased prices, but that it

requested that [CPT producer] continue to communicate with it.

(288) Following SDI's calls for more cooperation in Europe, Chunghwa, Philips and

[CPT producer] organised a meeting on 2 October 1999

747

in Glasgow. The

meeting was called by[CPT producer]"to clarify the competitive situation

regarding all of the 14'' European customers". Philips expressed its willingness

to lead the price increases and was hoping to be able to raise prices both in the

first and the second half of 2000. The meeting participants shared the view that

due to the limited number of competitors in the United Kingdom, France and

Eastern Europe, setting prices should be easier compared to Spain, Italy and

Turkey, where the cooperation of SDI, LGE, [CPT producers] would be needed.

Discussing [CPT producer]'s main customer Vestel in Turkey, Chunghwa was

asked to contact [CPT producer] and deliver the resolution of the meeting. The

participants also discussed their other customers in Europe. A detailed table

annexed to the meeting minutes

748

shows that the companies informed each

741

[…]

742

[…] It should be noted that the European 14'' CPT price was actually higher than in Asia. To this effect,

the minutes of the meeting show that [CPT producer] price was USD 33-35 and Philips submitted that

its current price was USD 34-35, compared to USD 29.5-33.5 reported in the meeting for Asian

companies.

743

Minutes of the meeting of 10 May 1999 […].

744

14'' Bare CPT USD 30, 20'' Bare CPT USD 49.

745

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

746

This fact is confirmed by […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

747

[…]

748

[…]

EN 85 EN

other of the implemented or planned price increases and volumes per

customer

749

. The table shows further that the companies agreed to inform SDI

and to invite it to join in the price increases. Finally, the table shows that the

price arrangements concerned captive customers as well

750

. The meeting

participants also discussed upcoming meetings with competitors in Asia. Philips

indicated that it would visit [CPT producer] on 11 October 1999 and [CPT

producer] indicated that it would visit Samsung and LG on or after 4 October

1999.

(289) On 20 October 1999

751

, Chunghwa, Philips and [CPT producer] met again in

Glasgow. Philips reported on a previous meeting with Chunghwa and [CPT

producer] on 11 October 1999

752

and submitted [CPT producers'] new 14'' CPT

price to Vestel. Concerning this customer, [CPT producer] wanted to "create $2

difference between [CPT producer] and European supplies". The meeting

minutes also note the following on glass meetings: "[CPT producer] insist to

other Korean makers they must supporet the galss meeting and offer proper

prices. [name][CPT producer] will make enquiries regarding the new price

offers made to Sharp Spain." [CPT producer] reported on its meeting with [CPT

producer] who had promised to "follow the market in raising the price of its

product if it sees evidence of the other suppliers raising price". [CPT producer]

went on to question Philips about the reason behind the anti-dumping action that

Philips had initiated. Philips revealed that the aim was to increase the prices in

Europe and considered that it was indeed right to go ahead with the antidumping

case as the price increase was under way. Furthermore, the meeting participants

exchanged information on future prices towards specific customers in Europe

and agreed on the price to be charged in the first half of 2000 to at least one

customer in Poland

753

. Chunghwa complained about the slow increase of prices

by its competitors. In this respect, it explained that it had lead the market with

price increases to Tecnimagen (Spain) among others and had "suffered" and that

now it was up to the other CRT producers (memebers to the cartel) to follow

suit and support Chunghwa.

(290) On 27 October 1999

754

, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producers] met in Thailand.

The participants agreed on the 14'' and 20'' CPT prices for five of their

customers

755

and agreed to maintain the current prices for the first quarter 2000.

Furthermore, they discussed Europe

756

and were happy to report of a "price-up

trend in European & American market thanks to capacity reduction in Asia".

However, they also noted problems affecting upward price development: "Low

749

The following customers were discussed at the meeting: Tecnimagen, Sharp, Sanyo, Samsung, AR

System, Mivar, Formentti, Vestel, Beko, Telra, Orion, JVC, Tatung, Toshiba, Thomson, Daewoo,

Philips, MEI, Sagem, Great Wall, Continental, Grundig.

750

It can be seen that Philips was planning to increase the 14'' CPT price towards Philips (Poland).

751

[…]

752

[…] In this meeting, it was mentioned that Chunghwa, Philips and [CPT producer] would meet once a

month in Europe. The planned frequency of meetings is supported by Philips agenda notes from

meetings available until the 17 March 2004 meeting. […]

753

Deawoo […].

754

[…]

755

Prices for the following customers were agreed upon: Orion, SREC, TCE, AIWA, Funai. The prices

were set between USD 31 and 33.5 for 14" CPTs and between USD 52 and 53.5 for 20" CPTs.

756

For example [CPT producer's] deliveries to Italy and [CPT producer's] sales prices in Europe.

EN 86 EN

CPT from S.E.Asia & [CPT producer] interrupt the effort of European CPT

manufacturers".

(291) The report from the meeting on 27 October 1999 shows again the interconnection

between the anticompetitive arrangements reached concerning Asia and Europe.

It demonstrates that the core companies of the CPT cartel were well aware both

of the fact that reducing capacity in Asia would facilitate price increases in

Europe also and that such price fixing arrangements could only work if further

Asian producers (such as [CPT producer]) would cooperate with them. In

response to [party to the proceedings']

757

arguments in its reply to the Statement

of Objections, the meeting report shows that the the participants in the meeting

reviewed the supply, demand and prices at world wide level and that Europe

was an important part of such discussions. The statement "price-up trend in

European & American market thanks to capacity reduction in Asia" referred to

in Recital (290) is not of a general character as [party to the proceedings]

claims, but instead it is clear in the context of this meeting where during the

discussion on price strategy it was noted that, concerning the supply and

demand situation for the period from the first quarter of 1999 to the first quarter

[of] 2000 based on production capacity and number of orders, that it was

considered a bad development that exports to Europe at low prices could hinder

efforts of EU branches of the same companies to maintain or increase prices.

The participants also discussed in detail the "updated status" of [CPT producer],

[CPT producer] (Europe), Philips (Brasil), [CPT producers], also including

Europe.

(292) On 29 October 1999

758

, SDI and Thomson met in France. They discussed first the

quantities supplied in 1999 and the supply planning for 2000. With respect to

current market information as well as future supply plans for 2000 the

participants also exchanged information regarding Philips and LGE. Thereafter

they agreed on the price guidelines for 20'', 21'' and 25'' CPTs by setting out the

average price, minimum and maximum prices as well as the quarterly price

plans for Thomson. They also detailed the payment conditions including the

currency and agreed that no rebates and no special discounts would be granted.

Finally it was noted that Samsung would need to intermediate between

Thomson and Philips suggesting that this was necessary for the price guideline

to work. Samsung would have a meeting with Philips on 4 November 1999 for

this purpose. The header of the document states that "everyone is requested to

keep it as a secret as it would be serious d[a]mage to SEB if it is open to

customers or European Commission", which shows that the parties were well

aware of the anticompetitive nature of their discussions.

(293) The reports of the meeting of 25 March 1999 (see Recitals (275) and (276)), the

telephone call on 16 July 1999 (see Recital (276)) and the meeting on 29

October 1999 (see Recital (292)) are the first pieces of documentary evidence

showing Thomson's participation in the anticompetitive arrangements. The

references to Philips in the minutes of the 29 October 1999 meeting also

demonstrate that by October 1999, Samsung, Thomson and Philips were all

involved in the collusive arrangements concluded in Europe. Further evidence

757

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

758

[…]

EN 87 EN

of cartel contacts involving Thomson in 1999 is found in the minutes of the

meetings of 16 April 1999 and 26 November 1999. In the 26 November 1999

meeting in particular, held between Philips, Samsung, MEI, [CPT producers]

and Thomson, the participants reviewed their respective production in 1999 and

production plans for 2000 per size, thereby engaging in anticompetitive

discussions

759

. The minutes of the 26 November 1999 meeting also refer to the

next "European Forum" meeting planned for 8/9 December 1999 and mention

that "Chungh Wa [Chunghwa] who is meeting the necessary requirements has

been invited to this meeting" and that they would also be present at the next

"statistical working group".

(294) On 11 November 1999

760

, "European TV Glass Meeting" was organised in

Amsterdam. The participants in this meeting were Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT

producer] and Philips, with SDI and LGE sending their representatives from

Asia. According to the meeting minutes, the meeting was a follow-up to the

price increase resolutions concluded "at the two meetings"

761

between

Chunghwa, Philips and [CPT producer] and which were apparently jeopardised

by SDI and LGE. Due to this action by Samsung and LGE, at [CPT producer]'s

invitation Samsung's [manager] from Malaysia and LG's [manager] from Korea

attended this meeting (based in Asia).

(295) The participants discussed the market situation in general and the European

market in particular. Philips complained about the price level in Europe and

"claimed that the current low prices $34-35

762

was due to the quotation chaos in

Asia". Chunghwa remarked in their meeting minutes that "SDI/LG price to

Europe was far less than the market price in Asia". The meeting participants

agreed to do their best to increase prices in Europe.

(296) The meeting minutes made by [CPT producer]

763

show that the participants agreed

on the prices ("price guideline") for 14'' CPTs in Europe for the second half of

1999 and the first and second half of 2000.

764

(297) In response to [party to the proceedings']

765

arguments in its reply to the Statement

of Objections, the Commission notes that, while particular focus was on Europe,

in addition to the fact that Samsung and LGE sent their representatives from

Asia, specific comparison was made between LGE's and Samsung's prices in

Asia and in Europe. Moreover, the current market situation and future plans of

the parties at world wide level, also concerning Asia, were discussed regarding

supply and demand, pricing levels and production lines. [CPT producer]

submitted in the meeting detailed production capacity information for different

CPT sizes – 20", 21", 25", 29" full flat CPT, 28" wide full flat CPT, 21" full flat

CPT. Moreover, as explained in Recital (295), arguments were raised in the

meeting that the low prices in Europe were due to the Asian situation. The

759

[…]

760

[…]

761

It is not spelled out in the meeting minutes to which meetings are referred to but it is likely that they are

the 2 and 20 October 1999 meetings […].

762

Referring to 14" CPTs.

763

[…]

764

[…]

765

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 88 EN

sentence "price increase was not obvious" put in the context of the meeting

further confirms that the meeting participants were acting together in order to

increase prices in Europe because they considered those to be too low. Another

citation from the meeting report makes it even clearer and indicates some

success in increasing prices: "each maker did indeed try its best to increase

prices in Europe. And a lot of progress has been made".

(298) There were detailed discussions about price quotes to specific customers such as

Mivar (Italy) and Tecnimagen (Spain). The meeting minutes made by [CPT

producer] show the detailed manner in which producers agreed on quotes and

deliveries to customers. The meeting participants discussed also whether there

should be a price gap due to the geographic advantage of some of the

participants. They also discussed who actually would be in a position to

maintain such a gap.

766

This proves further that, contrary to [party to the

proceedings'] arguments, the connection between Europe and Asia is not linked

to a general market situation, but is discussed also in the context of prices to

specific customers in Europe.

(299) [CPT producer]'s meeting minutes

767

confirm this arrangement for Tecnimagen

and spell out price fixing arrangements for other specific customers, including

Mivar (Italy) outlining agreed and previous prices per supplier for each

customer, notably quoting the prices in USD.

(300) The price fixing arrangement reached in the previous meeting, was "disturbed" by

[CPT producer] and, on 15 December 1999

768

, Chunghwa, Philips and [CPT

producer] had a meeting. Participants discussed present and planned

production, sales price and European customers. In addition, Philips accused

[CPT producer] of disturbing the market with low prices. It can be seen from the

meeting minutes that while Philips' price to Vestel in Turkey was USD 35.7,

[CPT producer] was selling at USD 34.7. Philips requested [CPT producer] to

increase its price by USD 1.

(301) The meetings of 27 October and 11 November 1999 are clear indications of the

interrelationship between Asian and European markets, in the world wide

context of the cartel, and of how the cartel was operated to control the situation

to the advantage of the participants in order to increase the price in Europe by,

among other things, controlling output in Asia. It is illustrated that the

production level (see Recital (290)) and prices in Asia (the "quotation chaos"

Philips refers to in Recital (295)) had an impact on the European prices). In this

respect, some producers were disturbing the European market with low-price

imports from Asia, as noted by [CPT producer] ("SDI/LG price to Europe was

far less than the market price in Asia", see Recital (295)). Therefore, there was

a logical reason to set the prices in Asia and Europe

769

by taking the price levels

and market conditions in both markets into account.

770

766

[…]

767

[…]

768

[…]

769

Concerning European prices, see also Recitals (296), (299).

770

[…]

EN 89 EN

(302) On 25 November 1999

771

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips, [CPT producer] and

[CPT producer] gathered in a Top Management meeting in Taiwan. They

discussed the CPT demand and production in 2000 on a global level, including

Europe, thereby discussing their future behaviour. They agreed that the price of

14'' CPTs should be increased in the first or second quarter of 2000. The

following excerpt from the minutes of this meeting illustrates the discussion on

future sales and production planning regarding Europe: "PH- [name] indicated

that PH (Spain)’s 14”CPT sales target for 1999 was 4.5M and the target for

2000 should be close to that. The situation continues to look serious as they

believe there to be Over Capa in Europe for the 20”/21” in 2000"

772

. Parties

also carried out in this context a detailed analysis on a world wide level of their

production lines for 14" and 20"/21" CPTs per location including their plans for

2000. The prices towards specific customers agreed on 27 October 1999

773

were

monitored and the participants agreed on a common price towards the joint

customer SREC

774

4.3.3.2. Middle period – from 2000 to 2003

Overview of the collusive contacts

(303) By 2000, the cartel was continued to operate in full force and the cartel

participants continued to meet regularly to agree on arrangements both in Asia

and in Europe. The catel participants that emerged as the core group in the

multilateral meetings setting up the anticompetitive arrangements during the

initial period of the cartel - Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer] and [CPT

producer] – continued their meetings and were now regularly joined by Philips.

These meetings usually took place in Asia. At the same time European meetings

were conducted more frequently between Philips, Chunghwa, SDI, CPT

producer] and [CPT producer]. After its first appearance in 1999, Thomson also

became an active participant in the anticompetitive arrangements and

participated in both bilateral and multilateral cartel meetings. MEI (as of 1 April

2003 continuing through the joint venture MTPD) also continued to participate

in the cartel meetings and contacts (see Recitals (312)-(319)). Moreover, there is

consistent body of evidence regarding the involvement of Toshiba (like MEI

Toshiba also continued as of 1 April 2003 through the joint venture MTPD) in

the collusive contacts – first through bilateral contacts as of 16 May 2000

775

and also through regular participation in multirateral meetings as of April

2002

776

(304) In addition to price fixing, market sharing and output limitation arrangements

known from the initial period of the cartel, CPT producers continued throughout

the middle period to hold bilateral contacts where they discussed their future

actions regarding prices, market shares and output as well as exchanging

information and data both in preparation for the coordinated actions and also as

a follow-up to the implementation of their collusive arrangements. There is

771

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

772

[…]

773

[…]

774

USD 29.50

775

[…]

776

[…]

EN 90 EN

evidence that the following companies participated in such contacts: Chunghwa,

Toshiba, Samsung, MEI, [CPT producer], [CPT producer] LGE, Thomson,

Philips, [CPT producer], [Philips/LGE joint venture], [CPT producer], MTPD,

[CPT producer] and [CPT producer]. For further reference and details of

contacts, see […].

(305) Such a practice was a standard procedure among the cartelists. It facilitated the

collusion among the competitors and proved to be an important part of

exchanging and comparing information between various regions in the world,

including Europe and Asia, thereby contributing to price fixing, market sharing

and output limitation

777

(306) By way of example, the following extract from Thomson's internal e-mail from 8

August 2003

778

shows how the companies were cooperating in compiling the

data for market forecast and, therefore, jointly adjusted their expectations of the

future demand to, ultimately, jointly adjust their market behaviour:

"We exchanged data as early as January. Our main concern was the European

market situation. We all forecasted strong drop in H1, mainly in Q1. We all

expected Q2 to be as bad as Q1. Early April, all competitors faced strong issue

on the market and started plan of factory closures. We all revised down our Q2

market expectations thru calculation of the production that would really occur.

We all came to the conclusion in June that Q2 would be really lower than first

estimation done last December."

(307) As regards Thomson, from 2000 onwards

779

, in addition to regularly participating

in cartel meetings (see details […]), with the creation of a […] post of the

[manager] within the company

780

, there is ample evidence regarding Thomson's

involvement in collecting and sharing sensitive information with its competitors

on the world wide CPT market in meetings

781

and also by e-mail

782

. Since the

beginning of the information sharing activities by Thomson's [manager] (which

appears to have been [date], see also Recital (306)), detailed exchanges with

various companies concerning future intentions were carried out a few times a

month. For example, there is evidence of three occasions in February 2000

when Thomson and Samsung shared detailed and non-aggregated information

on world wide CPT production and 2000 production plans by region promising

777

By way of example, [party to the proceedings] has submitted [that a relevant commercial database is

important] […].

778

[…] See further […], where it is explained that, with the data regarding tubes production that [name]

gathered from […] counterparts at the other tubes manufacturers or otherwise, […] compiled tube

production databases by tubes manufacturer detailing the country of origin, the factories, the production

lines, the product segments and the product sizes. [Name] sometimes received similarly structured

databases from […] counterparts at the other tubes manufacturers that […] could use to crosscheck and

complete […] own databases.

779

[Name] who was involved in most of the information exchanges in Thomson, joined Thomson in [date]

as […] manager for the tubes business. […].[T]ask was to collect information on the market, meet and

maintain contact with […] counterparts at other tubes manufacturers, report on meetings and contacts

with these persons and provide the information received to […] superiors […].

780

[…]

781

[…]

782

These exchanges by e-mail concerned in particular detailed information on worldwide CPT production

by region, capacity, future market trends or internal analysis of the market.

EN 91 EN

also to send global information on prices (by area and by size).

783

Similarily,

there is evidence of five occasions in July 2000 when similar exchanges

occurred between Thomson and [CPT producer] on a world wide level,

covering future production and of non-aggregated caracter.

784

Thomson also had

meetings with Philips and LGE (later [Philips/LGE joint venture]), Samsung,

[CPT producer], Toshiba, [CPT producer] and MEI. These bilateral meetings

occurred once or twice a year and were supplemented by more frequent e-mail

contacts. Meetings with Philips took place in Europe and meetings with the

Asian tubes manufacturers took place in in Asia or in Europe. Thomson

continued to exchange information with its competitors 2001, 2002 and 2003

785

throughout the middle of the cartel, and there is evidence of regular exchanges

with Samsung, [CPT producer] , LGE, [Philips/LGE joint venture], Toshiba,

MEI, MTPD and occasionally with Philips (see […]). The bilateral meetings

with the cartel members continued through the middle period of the cartel and

Thomson had meetings for example with [Philips/LGE joint venture], Samsung,

Toshiba, MEI, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] (see […]).

(308) The following extract from an internal e-mail dated 8 August 2003

786

sent by

[name], an employee of Thomson, describes the frequency and the content of

Thomson's exchanges:

"I exchanged data with the competitors by phone and e-mail on a weekly basis

in H1[first half of the year]. My main contacts are [Philips/LGE joint venture]

SDI, and to a lesser extend Toshiba and Matsushita. We exchanged data on the

market (by segments and regions), and on our sales situation (also by segments

and regions). We also exchanged data on stock potential and on competitors

moves." When explaining the nature of the contacts with competitors for the

purpose of an internal audit in Thomson, [name] further stated: "During Q2,

many tube makers started to reduce / stop production lines, like us. thru

contacts with them (Samsung SDI, [Philips/LGE joint-venture], Matsushita and

[CPT producer]), we have all together calculated by how much the production

would be down in Q2 versus previous forecast and we concluded that the

market would be down by another -10%. this is how we reached -20% in Q2."

787

The fact that Thomson's contacts with competitors were normally future

oriented and not restrained to exchanging ex-post data is further documented by

[name]'s overview of contacts with [Philips/LGE joint venture] and SDI in

783

On 9 February 2000 […], 14 February 2000 […] and 24 February 2000 […].

784

On 4 July 2000, Thomson sent to [CPT producer] information about world wide CPT production, per

producer and containing future information […]. In return, Thomson received from [CPT producer]

detailed tables, dated 20 June and 14 July 2000, showing the world wide display market capacity […].

On 11 July 2000, Thomson contacted [CPT producer], asking whether [CPT producer] "would agree on

comparing our figures" with respect to the world wide capacities of CPT "per area and segment" […].

On 11-12, 15, 20 and 31 July 2000, Thomson and [CPT producer] exchanged world wide and non-

aggregated information about capacities for 2000 and 2001, concerning thereby also plans for future

behaviour […]. On 31 July 2000 […] and 20 September 2000 […], Thomson and [CPT producer]

exchanged e-mails in preparation for a meeting in September/October.

785

[…]

786

[…]

787

[…]

EN 92 EN

March-April 2003, which refers to data regarding the period from January to

June/July 2003.

788

(309) The exchanged data was very detailed in nature and included typically the

following

789

: sales and planned sales per size, company, region and customer

both in volume and value; existing and planned production output, capacity and

loading ratio per company, plant, line and size, planned line closures; demand

estimates in general and per CPT dimension and region; general market

forecasts and analyses; prices

790

; cost structures; and TV production, demand

and sales.

(310) As regards the bilateral meetings between Thomson and its competitors in Asia

and in Europe, the discussions and the information exchanged generally

focussed on the same types of information that were exchanged by e-mail

791

The following represents a typical agenda proposal for such meetings

792

"I thought about the following agenda: "CPT market trends 2001-2005",

focussing on:

– True Flat penetration

– 16x9 development

– Price erosion

– Growing areas (focus by region)

– Impact of Alternative Technologies on CPT

– Market consolidation, CPT makers moves

Please let me know if you agree on this and if you want to add other items in the

agenda."

(311) Although there is relatively little written evidence on Thomson's participation in

Top meetings in Asia

793

, […] it participated in such meetings once or twice a

year where, among others, investment plans and price issues were discussed.

[…][Thomson's] employees [name] and sometimes [name] participated in those

Asian Top meetings.

794

(312) Concerning [parties to the proceedings], who contest in their replies to the

Statement of Objections the anti-competitive character or geographic scope of

the arrangements for which there is evidence regarding their involvement,

further to what is discussed in Recitals (327) to (454), attention is also drawn to

the cartel contacts described in Recitals (313) to (319) – such evidence is

referred to […].

(313) As regards the participation of Toshiba (since 1 April 2003 via joint venture

MTPD), in addition to its' participation in the anticompetitive meetings which

are described in more detail in this Decision, there is evidence that it engaged in

788

[…] The document also refers to the fact that contacts were as frequent as a couple of times per week.

789

See further […] describing the information sharing practices.

790

According to [party to the proceedings], the exchange of price information was generally limited to

average market prices which could be used to determine price trends on the tubes market. Occasionally,

the bilateral information exchange also involved prices for certain products to customers […].

791

[…]

792

E-mail dated 14 February 2002 […].

793

[…]

794

[…]

EN 93 EN

regular exchanges with its competitors via meetings and other contacts ([…]).

These representative examples of Toshiba's involvement have been set out in

the Statement of Objections and Toshiba has in its reply contested the contacts

addressing each contact separately, while the Commission points out that the

evidence should be reviewed in its totality, also taking into account the

[evidence] confirming Toshiba's involvement (see […] referred to in footnote

176). There is evidence regarding mainly bilateral cartel contacts between

Toshiba and in particular Thomson, Philips, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

and MEI. As explained above (see Recitals (274), (279) and footnote 176),

Toshiba was indirectly informed about the multirateral meetings through [CPT

producer] before April 2002 and from April 2002 it started to regularly

participate in multilateral meetings itself (see also Section 4.3.4.5). Evidence

relating to such anticompetitive contacts between Toshiba and its competitors

in the middle period of the cartel shows that the contacts were maintained in

order to keep Toshiba up-to-date with and involved in current developments and

future plans regarding global capacity, sales and prices. However, there is also

evidence of bilateral contacts with Thomson starting from spring 2001. This

evidence shows that Toshiba met with and exchanged information with

Thomson a number of times between 9 May 2001 and October 2002

795

. On 9

May 2001, subsequent to a JEITA/EECA meeting in Tokyo, Thomson sent an

e-mail to Toshiba stating that their meeting was more a "figure checking process

than a deep thinking on trends" and inviting it to start exchanging more detailed

information on "market trends by region". This shows that the discussions

between Thomson and Toshiba had a global scope and it is the first contact

between these two companies after which there is a clear regular exchange of

data between these two companies. The following examples show the content of

such exchanges. On 29 August 2001 there were bilateral contacts between

Thomson on one side and Samsung, [CPT producer] and Toshiba, respectively,

on the other. In the contacts with Toshiba

796

, Thomson and Toshiba discussed

Thomson's prices in its main markets, including Europe and Thomson's plans

for 2002 and Toshiba replied to the request to exchange the same data on 7

September 2001

797

. On the same day Thomson disclosed to Toshiba its

production plans in Poland for the year 2002

798

. In an e-mail of 16 November

2001 Toshiba requested Thomson to exchange information on production status,

by site and by line. In response to this request Thomson shared with Toshiba its

future production plans, including for a site in Europe.

799

In another meeting

held on 6 March 2002

800

they discussed CPT worldwide market trends,

volumes, prices and competitors' moves. Furthermore, during the meeting of 26

June 2002

801

, [CPT producer] […], the discussion related to future information

and was worldwide in scope, including specific references to sales in Europe.

795

See for example the following exchanges which illustrate the types of contacts held: 9 May 2001 […],

23 May 2001 […], 7 September 2001 […], 11 January 2002 […], 21 January 2002 […], 6 March 2002

[…], 26 June 2002 […], 28 June 2002 […], 2 July 2002 […], 15 October 2002 […].

796

[…]

797

[…]

798

[…]

799

[…]

800

[…]

801

[…]

EN 94 EN

On 15 October 2002, Toshiba informed Thomson about its volumes for 2002

and 2003, also including explicit references to Europe

802

(314) Toshiba also had similar exchanges with other cartel members. For example,

information on future intentions was exchanged on 16 May 2000

803

when

Toshiba met with Philips and discussed pricing policy and future production,

including explicit and specific references to production and prices in Europe.

For example the minutes of the meeting state with respect to Toshiba that "They

are raising prices in the US and also for the imported products in Europe (10-

15%). They mentioned during dinner that they raise the Europe export prices

every three months and are currently at 950 DM for 32WSRF and 550 DM for

28 WSRF. They have no long term interest in this business". The participants

also compared their production plans for the product Jumbo TVT in various

regions around the globe including Europe […], it is only in the last part of this

meeting that the participants discussed technology cooperation while main part

of the meeting record shows discussion on production and prices. In the meeting

of 28 August 2000

804

Toshiba and SDI discussed their global production plans

for the period up to 2005, line capacities and future production plans and also

certain information about future production of Thomson and LGE. Toshiba

exchanged information with MEI on 12 November 2001

805

, relating to, among

other things the CPT sales in Europe. Toshiba claims that the e-mail underlying

this contact does not show any information coming from Toshiba concerning

the European market. However, the e-mail sent by MEI shows that Toshiba

provided before information about "sales of each size of tubes in each region"

of the globe and MEI asked for clarification about the quantities of products

difficult to sell, including in Europe. Toshiba explains what are the tubes

considered as difficult to sell in Europe. Moreover, the e-mail refers to Asia,

North America and Europe showing that the information provided by Toshiba

had a world-wide coverage. The e-mail also provides a comparison of Toshiba's

CPT production in 2000 and 2001 without distinctions per region showing its

worldwide scope. On 12 August 2002, […], Toshiba discussed with Samsung

world wide sales and future CPT quantities and the participants concluded on

that basis that "cooperation in 14''/20'' [is] required"

806

.[…], on 6 November

2002

807

Toshiba and [Philips/LGE joint venture] discussed future plans about

sales volumes and line planning. [T]he evidence on contact shows that Toshiba

and [Philips/LGE joint venture] had discussions with a world-wide scope

referring to market situations in some specific areas and to the volume of the

entire world-wide CRT market in 2002 and in the fist quarter of 2003. These

examples together with the [evidence] (see Recital (126)) and the evidence […]

confirm that in addition to its participation in multilateral meetings in the

middle period of the cartel, Toshiba actively participated in the cartel

exchanges.

802

[…]

803

[…]

804

[…]

805

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

806

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

807

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 95 EN

(315) As regards the participation of MEI (who continued participating since 1 April

2003 via joint venture MPTD), in addition to the various anticompetitive

meetings from 1999 onwards (see also Recital (249)), it engaged in regular

exchanges of an anticompetitive nature with its competitors via meetings and

other contacts at world wide level. These representative examples of MEI's

involvement – in addition to those for the first period of the cartel – were set out

in the Statement of Objections and Panasonic has in its reply to the Statement of

Objections contested the contacts addressing each contact separately, while the

Commission points out that the evidence should be reviewed in its totality, also

taking into account [evidence] confirming MEI's involvement ([…]). Various

parties, including MEI itself, have submitted documents showing that data was

exchanged between MEI and the other competitors and that this data was used

to track the competitors' plans and movements at world wide level and, in

consequence, to adjust their behaviour on the market, including MEI's own

behaviour. More precisely, it is possible to piece together evidence stemming

from documents […].

(316) By way of example, there were exchanges regarding future commercial plans of

the parties in the following bilateral contacts. On 1 April 2000

808

a Thomson's

employee had made contact with MEI regarding exchange of information.

Furthermore, there is evidence that MEI and Thomson met subsequently in Asia

at the end of April 2000

809

and, contrary to [parties to the proceedings]

arguments raised in their replies to the Statement of Objections, this appears to

be part of the information exchange practices that were an integral part of the

cartel. In a bilateral meeting of 19 May 2000

810

Philips and MEI discussed

world wide CPT production capacity data and sales plans for 2000 and 2001 as

well as the strategy ("to focus on profitability, not volume") of both MEI and

Philips and compared their market outlook assessment for the period up to 2004.

In this context there is also specific reference to Europe including production

plans in Europe (as part of the world wide production planning) and plans

regarding how to approach customers in Europe.. Concerning [parties to the

proceedings] arguments raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections it is

noted that, […], the information exchanged related to flat TV tubes worldwide

production capacity data

811

and the document […] shows that the discussions in

the meeting included future sales and production plans as well as the strategy of

both MEI and Philips. On 2 October 2000

812

Samsung and MEI discussed

planned production in 2001 at world wide level, including Samsung's planned

production in Germany. Concerning [parties to the proceedings'] argument with

regard to this meeting raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections, it is

noted that in the context of the world wide discussion there is a reference to

Europe in the minutes of this meeting regarding Samsung's planned production

in Germany. On 28 June 2000

813

MEI transmitted information to Samsung on

808

[…]

809

[…] replies to the Statement of Objections […].

810

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

811

[…]

812

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

813

[…]

EN 96 EN

price status. On 12 December 2000

814

Samsung and MEI discussed production

capacity, line expansion plans and also an upcoming "industry" meeting

(referring to a multilateral cartel meeting) was noted to be held towards end of

December or in January. Concerning [parties to the proceedings'] arguments

with regard to this meeting raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections,

the Commission notes that the data exchanged at the meeting included non-

public information such as Samsung's 2001 line expansion plans, profitability,

global market share, the operating days of Samsung's Berlin plant and

Samsung's business strategy and that when the document refers to an upcoming

"industry" meeting it indicates that the following would be on agenda: "CPT:

focus on small and medium size tubes". This refers to a wider cartel arrangement

and indicates that, […], Panasonic/MTPD was aware of it.

(317) On 9 May 2001

815

Thomson requested MEI to exchange information by region

that would go further than what was discussed in industry association meetings.

MEI replied on 22 May and accepted Thomson's proposal. Concerning [parties

to the proceedings']arguments raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections

it is noted that it appears from the e-mail string that MEI agreed to the proposal

by Thomson and that an internal e-mail from a Thomson representative – where

the information exchange with competitors is described – the description of

"main contacts" and "lesser extent" do not refer to the content and quality of the

information shared, as claimed by [parties to the proceedings'], but to the

frequency of contacts. On 9 October 2001

816

Samsung and MEI discussed the

market situation. Concerning [parties to the proceedings'] arguments with regard

to this meeting, the meeting report contains details of MEI production and

production plans world wide. MEI and Samsung

817

discussed CPT production

capacity planning for 2002-2004 at somepoint in 2002. With reference to

[parties to the proceedings'] argument that the discussion mainly related to TV

production, it is noted that both of the participating companies were also active

in downstream markets. The discussion was relevant for CPTs as well,

especially as in the meeting report the author noted the question that he wanted

to ask [CPT producer] in connection with information on CPTs received from

Samsung: "Have you got this kind of feelings in the sales of 14'' CPTs? They are

slightly different from what I have felt. If you have any opinions, please feel free

to contact me". On 21 February 2002

818

Samsung and MEI exchanged

information on production lines and capacities. Contrary to [parties to the

proceedings']argument raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections the

discussion in this meeting also concerned sizes other than 15'' and regarding

those, Panasonic had sales in EEA. There is evidence that MEI and Thomson

planned to meet in Japan on 8 March 2002

819

and the meeting agenda focused

on "CPT market trends 2001-2005" including "prise erosion, growing areas

(focus by region), market consolidation, CPT makers moves", including future

price development. Contrary to [parties to the proceedings']arguments in reply

814

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

815

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

816

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

817

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

818

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

819

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

EN 97 EN

to the Statement of Objections, evidence shows that MEI had agreed to meet on

the said date with the Thomson employee with whom they were exchanging

information. On 11 March 2002 there was a meeting between MEI and

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

820

and the parties exchanged general CRT market

data; On 21 June 2002

821

Samsung and MEI shared production lines capacity

information. Contrary to arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections,

some of the exchanged information was clearly relating to the future. On 30

July 2002

822

Samsung and MEI discussed future pricing information, sales

quantities and production capacities and planning. Contrary to [parties to the

proceedings'] arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections the information

exchanged at this meeting was very detailed and MEI pricing information

related to the future ("price decreases in 3Q required"). In late 2002

823

(precise

dates could not be established, but the evidence contains data regarding

production in 2002 and plans for sales in 2003, which indicates that this took

place in late 2002 Philips, Toshiba and MEI shared sales volumes situation and

planning. Contrary to [parties to the proceedings'] arguments in reply to the

Statement of Objections

824

the participants discussed their future production

plans for 2003. In the meeting of 7 November 2002

825

between [Philips/LGE

joint venture] and MEI, contrary to [parties to the proceedings'] arguments in

reply to the Statement of Objections, detailed information about company

strategy, MEI outlook for its production for 2003 and reductions achieved in

glass prices were discussed. On 26-27 February 2003

826

Chunghwa had bilateral

meetings with MEI and [CPT producer], respectively, where capacities and

pricing coordination efforts were discussed. Regarding [parties to the

proceedings'] arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections, it is noted that

the discussion was not limited to tubes of one particular size.

(318) MTPD continuted uninterrupted the participation of MEI and Toshiba in bilateral

contacts as for example is shown by their participation in contacts on the

following dates: 24 May 2003 contact between [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

MTPD

827

; 25 July 2003 contact between MTPD and [CPT producer]

828

; 27

November 2003 contact between MTPD and Samsung

829

; contact between

MTPD and Samsung at some point in 2003 (exact date could not be

established)

830

. Moreover, e-mails between Thomson and MTPD, sent between

6 June and 30 June 2003

831

and again on 14 and 19 November 2003

832

, show

that detailed information on actual and planned CPT sales was exchanged

between the companies.

820

[…]

821

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

822

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

823

[…]

824

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

825

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

826

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

827

[…]

828

[…]

829

[…]

830

[…]

831

[…]

832

[…]

EN 98 EN

(319) MEI and thereafter MTPD used this information to compile various tables

showing the past and expected performance of its competitors

833

. Equally, e-

mails between Thomson and MTPD, sent between 22 January and 3 February

2004

834

, show that Thomson sent to MTPD their 2003 sales figures and their

budget for 2004 presented by factory and by size. A table […], dated 29

October 2004, contains information on each of the CRT manufacturers'

production capacity at worldwide level relating to 29'' CPTs

835

. […] [T]his

information was based on SML meetings

836

but the Commission considers it to

be clear that similar information obtained from Thomson was also used for such

tables. MEI and, after its creation, MTPD was also in regular exchange of

information with SDI and Philips

837

and later with [Philips/LGE joint venture].

In addition to the meetings, […] various presentations and reports that originate

from […] competitors

838

. This information exchange – through meetings and via

other contacts – allowed MEI/MTPD to put together various data sheets and

tables, depicting in great detail the position of its competitors, including future

positions

839

833

[…]

834

[…]

835

[…]

836

[…]

837

Philips […] had a special relationship with MEI, stemming from the joint venture Philips and MEI had

in the past and which was dissolved in the early nineties. […] this special relationship [was conducive

to information exchange] […]. This does not, however, explain any information exchange after the

dissolution of the said joint venture, which took place prior to the period covered by this Decision.

838

[…] ([party to the proceedings'] presentation, dated February 1999), […] (information on Samsung's

financial and sales data for 2001 and 2002), […] ([Philips/LGE joint venture's] presentation, dated

2000), […] ([party to the proceedings'] presentation containing CPT sales and price information,

production capacity, sales and profit data, dated 2000), […] [Philips/LGE joint venture's] presentation

relating to Panasonic/Philips partnership agreement containing information on [Philips/LGE joint

venture's] worldwide CPT/CDT market shares, production and price data, dated April 2002), […]

([party to the proceeedings'] presentation, dated February 2001), […] (a report on bilateral contacts with

Samsung containing information relating to TV production capacity data and CPT planning for 2002-

2004 at worldwide level), […] ([Philips/LGE joint venture's] presentation with market data and

planning of sales and market shares at worldwide level, dated February 2002), […] ([party to the

proceedings'] presentation containing worldwide market data and including demand forecasts and

planning of sales and production capacity for CPT, dated May 2002), […] ([party to the proceedings']

presentation, dated March 2003), […] (information relating to ([Philips/LGE joint venture's] worldwide

production capacity, dated March 2003), ([party to the proceedings'] presentation containing new CRT

TV product data).

839

[…] (CPT and CDT manufacturers' worldwide production capacity data for 1997 and 1998), […]

(Philips CRT production capacity data and planning, dated March 1997, CRT manufacturers' worldwide

production capacity data and planning, dated 25 March 1997), […] ([party to the proceedings']

presentation containing, among other things, worldwide monitor data and planning – sales and

production capacity – dated 24 September 1997, and ([party to the proceedings'] presentation

concerning CPT worldwide sales data and planning, dated February 1997), […] (Thomson's CRT

production capacity data and planning, among other things, in Europe, dated 10 October 1997), […]

(worldwide CPT sales data for 1999), […] ([Philips/LGE joint venture's] presentation containing,

among other things, worldwide CRT TV sales data and forecasts, dated April 2000), […] (CPT

manufacturers' production data for 1994/2000), […] (information on, among other things, Samsung's

and Philips' worldwide production capacity data, dated 3 October 2000), […] (Samsung's CRT

worldwide production capacity in 2001), […] (worldwide CPT sales data for 2001), […] (Samsung's

worldwide CPT and CDT production capacity, dated 9 July 2001), (worldwide CPT sales data for 1995-

2002), […] (worldwide capacity of MTPD, Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture] in 2002), […]

(worldwide CPT sales data for 2002, Samsung's CRT worldwide production capacity data and planning,

EN 99 EN

(320) One of the main issues during the middle period of the cartel was the imposition

of the anti-dumping duty on imports of 14'' CPTs to Europe in 2000. A

preliminary anti-dumping duty entered into force on 28 April 2000

840

and a

definitive anti-dumping duty on 21 October 2000

841

(321) The interconnection between Asian and European meetings continued in the same

vein as during the initial period from 1996 to 1999. More precisely, European

markets were discussed in Asian meetings and, more particularly, arrangements

concerning Europe were made in some of them (see Recitals (339)-(340), (403)-

(405), (438)-(439)); certain arrangements concerning Europe were monitored

(see Recital (290)); and concerted practice concerning Europe also took place

(see Recitals (312)-(319), (374), (377), (379), (382), (395)-(396), (427), (442)-

(444), (446), (448)-(450)). In addition, contemporaneous evidence in the

Commission's file shows how European subsidiaries reported to their Asian

headquarters and vice versa about the market situation and the cartel

arrangements in Europe (see for example Recitals (346)-(347))

842

(322) In the period from 2000 to 2003, in line with the development of the market, the

focus of the cartel gradually shifted towards larger CPT sizes

843

. The 14" CPT

dated 6 February 2002), […] (MEI Germany's internal presentation containing CRT TV manufacturers'

production capacity data in Europe, worldwide CRT TV production capacity data and forecasts,

worldwide CRT sales data and CRT manufacturers' production capacity data and planning in Europe,

dated June-August 2002), […] (Samsung's CPT/CDT worldwide production capacity data, dated 8

November 2002), […] ([Philips/LGE joint venture]'s worldwide CRT production capacity for 2002),

[…] (CRT manufacturers' worldwide production capacity data and planning, dated April-November

2002), […] (CRT manufacturers' worldwide production capacity, dated 10 December 2002), […]

([Philips/LGE joint venture]'s CRT related market data – worldwide production capacity, sales, profit -

dated 2002), […] (CPT manufacturers' worldwide production capacity data for 1999-2002), […]

(worldwide CPT sales and production capacity data, dated 5 February 2003), […] (worldwide sales and

production capacity data relating to, among other things, CPT and planning for 2001-2007, dated

February 2003), […] (CRT manufacturer's worldwide production capacity data for 2001-2003), […]

(Samsung's worldwide production capacity in 2002 and 2003), […] (CRT manufacturers production

capacity in 2003 and 2004), […] (CRT manufacturers production capacity, among other things, in

Europe for 2003 and 2004), […] (CRT manufacturers' worldwide production, dated 29 October 2004,

CRT manufacturers' worldwide production capacity data for 2003 and 2004, dated 24 January 2005),

[…] ([Philips/LGE joint venture]'s worldwide production capacity, dated 31 May 2005), […] (CRT

manufacturers worldwide sales, dated first quarter of 2007), […] (CRT manufacturers worldwide sales,

dated first quarter of 2007), […] (worldwide CPT sales data), […] (worldwide CRT TV production

data), […] (Philips' CPT/CDT worldwide production capacity data and planning), […] ([Philips/LGE

joint venture's] worldwide production capacity data), […] ([Philips/LGE joint venture]'s CRT

production capacity data in Europe).

840

Commission Regulation (EC) No 837/2000 of 19 April 2000 imposing a provisional anti-dumping duty

on imports of certain cathode-ray colour –television picture tubes originating in India, Malaysia, the

People's Republic of China and the Republic of Korea. OJ L102/15 27.4.2000.

841

Council Regulation (EC) No 2313/2000 of 17 October 2000 Imposing a definitive anti-dumping duty

and collecting definitively the provisional duty imposed on imports of certain cathode-ray colour

television picture tubes originating in India and the Republic of Korea, and terminating the anti-

dumping proceeding in respect of imports originating in Lithuania, Malaysia and the People's Republic

of China. OJ L 267/1 20.10.2000.

842

See for example […] (concerning Chunghwa reporting to its headquarters) or […]. In this context,

[…][Party to the proceedings] has confirmed that [party to the proceedings] sometimes used the Asian

Glas Meetings to verify certain information regarding CPTs in Europe, in particular price information

[…].

843

See for example […]. From 2000 to 2001, the 14'' CPT market in Europe decreased by 20% and

continued to fall […].

EN 100 EN

market in Europe was decreasing

844

and, consequently, several manufacturers,

especially Chunghwa and SDI, took measures to decrease the production of 14''

CPT and convert it to larger sizes in 2002/2003

845

. Middle-sized CPTs

(predominantly 20" and 21") became the object of the collusive arrangements

more frequently

846

and also large sized CPTs (28", 29", 32") appeared in the

discussions among competitors more often

847

(323) Falling prices

848

and overcapacity

849

lead to increasing problems for CPT

producers: Towards the end of 2002, [CPT producer] was reported to be in

financial difficulties

850

. Chunghwa closed its European factory in 2002

851

. In

2002, [Philips/LGE joint venture] was losing money

852

and, in early 2003, it

estimated that "within next 5 years CPT industry in Europe shall disappear if

the negative price trend continues"

853

. Throughout the middle period of the

cartel, the cartel members were determined to take collusive measures to tackle

these negative trends.

(324) Table 5 gives a summary of the most important (mainly) multilateral contacts

which took place during the middle period of the CPT cartel (see […] for

references on further contacts, including bilateral contacts). […] [D]iary entries

which refer among other things to the following multilateral meetings during

this period and […] the capacity/output and price discussions held in these and

number of other similar meetings: 19 September 2000 between Philips,

Chunghwa and [CPT producer]; 19 December 2000 between Philips, Chunghwa

and [CPT producer] concerning small size tubes; 31 May 2001 between Philips,

Chunghwa and [CPT producer] concerning small size tubes; 25 October 2001

between Philips, Chunghwa and [CPT producer] concerning small size tubes; 7

December 2001 between Philips, Chunghwa and [CPT producer] concerning

small size tubes; 27 February 2002 between Philips, Samsung, Thomson and

[CPT producer] concerning medium size tubes; 3 May 2002 between Philips,

Samsung, Thomson and [CPT producer] concerning medium size tubes; 3-4

October 2002 between Philips, Samsung, Thomson and [CPT producer]

concerning medium size tubes; 15 October 2002 between Philips, Samsung,

Thomson and [CPT producer] concerning medium size tubes; 16 June 2003

between Philips, Thomson and Samsung..

854

844

By mid-2002, the main European producers Chunghwa, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT

producer] reported a further reduction of a total of 15% of the 14'' CPT sales during the first half of the

year. It was also reported that Philips had lost 24% of its sales in the second quarter of 2002 and that it

was pricing aggressively in the third quarter of 2002 in order to try to gain back the lost sales […]. The

CPT producers contemplated coordinated price reductions in order to stimulate the market […]

845

[…]

846

[…]

847

[…]

848

In some estimates, between 2002 and 2003 CPT prices in Europe eroded by 20%[…].

849

Companies were forecasting falling demand for CPT throughout 2003 […].

850

[…]

851

See Recital (11) […]

852

[…] it is reported that "2002, [Philips/LGE joint venture] $ 500 million in the red".

853

[…]

854

[…]

EN 101 EN

(325) Table 5:

Date of

meeting

Type of illicit behaviour

Meeting participants

18/1/2000

Price fixing

855

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer] ,

PH, [CPT producer]

24/1/2000

Price fixing

856

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

PH, [CPT producer]

2/2/2000

Price fixing, volume coordination

857

SDI, [CPT producer], PH, Thomson

7/3/2000

Price fixing

858

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

PH, [CPT producer]

14/3/2000

Exchange of information

859

Chunghwa, SDI, [CPT producer], PH

24/3/2000

Price fixing

860

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

PH, [CPT producer]

14/4/2000

Price fixing

861

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

28/4/2000

Price fixing

862

Chunghwa, PH, [CPT producer]

25/5/2000

Price fixing

863

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer] ,

20/6/2000

Price fixing

864

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

PH, [CPT producer]

21/6/2000

Exchange of information

865

Chunghwa, MEI

23/6/2000

Price fixing

866

Chunghwa, PH

25/6/2000

Exchange of information

867

Chunghwa, [CPT producer]

28/6/2000

Exchange of information

868

SDI, MEI

13/7/2000

Price fixing

869

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

855

[…]

856

[…]

857

[…]

858

[…]

859

[…]

860

[…]

861

[…]

862

[…]

863

[…]

864

[…]

865

[…] Information on prices was exchanged. See also Recital (344) and footnote 951.

866

[…]

867

[…] Information on prices was exchanged.

868

[…] Information on prices was exchanged.

869

[…]

EN 102 EN

22/8/2000

Exchange of information

870

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

15/9/2000

Price fixing

871

SDI, PH, [CPT producer], Thomson

18/9/2000

Price fixing

872

Chunghwa, SDI, [CPT producer], PH

21/9/2000

Price fixing

873

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

25/10/2000

Price fixing

874

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

PH, [CPT producer]

30/10/2000

Price fixing

875

SDI, PH , [CPT producer], Thomson

17/11/2000

Exchange of information

876

Chunghwa, [CPT producer] , PH

4/12/2000

Price fixing, exchange of

information

877

SDI, PH, Thomson

24/1/2001

Output limitation

878

Chunghwa, [CPT producer], PH

25-26/1/2001

Price fixing , volume

coordination

879

SDI, Thomson, [CPT producer], PH

15/2/2001

Exchange of information

880

Chunghwa, [CPT producer]

20/3/2001

Price fixing

881

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

18/4/2001

Price fixing

882

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer],

PH, [CPT producer]

17/5/2001

Price fixing

883

SDI, PH, Thomson, [CPT producer]

870

[…]

871

[…]

872

[…]

873

[…]

874

[…]

875

[…]

876

[…]

877

[…]

878

[…]

879

[…] Information on prices was exchange […]

880

[…]

881

[…]

882

[…]

883

[…]

EN 103 EN

26/6/2001

Price fixing

884

Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, [CPT producer]

5/7/2001

Price fixing

885

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson, [CPT producer]

24/7/2001

Price fixing

886

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

21/8/2001

Price fixing

887

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producers]

26/10/2001

Exchange of information

888

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], Thomson, [CPT producer]

30/10/2001

Price fixing

889

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

12/112001

Price fixing, exchange of

information

890

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

20/11/2001

Price fixing

891

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

18/1/2002

Price fixing

892

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

22/2/2002

Price fixing

893

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

1/3/2002

Exchange of information

894

Chunghwa, [CPT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

20/3/2002

Price fixing

895

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

12/4/2002

Price fixing

896

[Philips/LGE joint venture, SDI,

Toshiba]

22/4/2002

Price fixing

897

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

27/05/2002

Price fixing

898

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Toshiba

884

[…]

885

[…]

886

[…]

887

[…]

888

[…] The meeting of 26 October 2001 appears to have been an […] meeting held in Brussels. [Party to

the proceedings] submits that on the day before, 25 October 2001, it had a meeting with Chunghwa and

[CPT producer] in Brussels concerning small size tubes. […]

889

[…]

890

[…]Information on prices was exchanged.

891

[…]

892

[…]

893

[…]

894

[…]

895

[…]

896

[…]

897

[…]

EN 104 EN

21/06/2002

Exchange of information

899

Chunghwa, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

27/6/2002

Output sales/planning

900

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture,

Thomson, [CPT producer]

13/9/2002

Price fixing

901

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producers]

17/10/2002

Price fixing

902

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producers]

25/10/2002

Output/sales planning

903

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson, [CPT producer]

6/12/2002

Price fixing

904

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Toshiba

12/12/2002

Exchange of information

905

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

17/12/2002

Price fixing

906

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producers]

10/2/2003

Exchange of information

907

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Toshiba, Panasonic

21/2/2003

Exchange of information

908

Chunghwa, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

20/3/2003

Price fixing

909

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

22/4/2003

Output/sales planning

910

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson [CPT producer]

25/4/2003

Price fixing

911

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture], MTPD

30/4/2003

Exchange of information

912

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

30/4/2003

Exchange of information

913

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

898

[…]

899

[…] Information on prices was exchanged.

900

[…]

901

[…]

902

[…]

903

[…]

904

[…]

905

[…]

906

[…]

907

[…]

908

[…]

909

[…]

910

[…]

911

[…]

912

[…]

913

[…]

EN 105 EN

22/5/2003

Price fixing

914

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], [CPT producer]

24/7/2003

Price fixing

915

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

MTPD

5/8/2003

Price fixing

916

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture], MTPD

5/9/2003

Price fixing

917

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

MTPD, [CPT producer]

14/10/2003

Price fixing

918

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

7/11/2003

Price fixing

919

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], MTPD

21/11/2003

Price fixing

920

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

28/11/2003

Price fixing

921

SDI, MTPD, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

4/12/2003

Price fixing, output limitation

922

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture], Thomson

(326) The most illustrative of these meetings will be described in detail in Recitals (327)

to (407).

Most important meetings and arrangements reached in the period 2000 – 2003

(327) The first documented meeting during this period took place on 18 January

2000

923

, when the working level representatives of Chunghwa, SDI, LGE,

Philips, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] met in Asia. They discussed world

wide capacity, production and demand, divided into different regions, including

therefore also Europe. Each producer submitted their plan for 14'', 20'' and 21''

CPT production for 2000. The meeting attendants also discussed the prices and

agreed that the prices of 14'' and 20'' CPT should be increased.

(328) The management level representatives of the same companies met on 24 January

2000

924

in Taiwan. The participants reviewed the prices agreed on 27 October

1999 and several companies were reproached for failing to follow the price

guidelines. The following extract of the meeting minutes also shows how the

meeting participants interpreted the notion of fair competition: "With regard to

the issue that the price of CPT/[CPT producer]→ [CPT producer] is still

relatively low, the meeting attendees unanimously requested to raise the price

so that the clients could enjoy fair competition in the market."

914

[…]

915

[…]

916

[…]

917

[…]

918

[…]

919

[…]

920

[…]

921

[…]

922

[…]

923

[…]

924

[…]

EN 106 EN

(329) At the 24 January 2000 meeting the participants agreed on the principles

925

for the

next price increase as follows: "(1) Price mark-up shall be executed only after

agreements are made by all the meeting attending members; (2) The time for a

price mark-up to take effect will be two months after the month that such

agreement is made (for example, if an agreement for a price mark-up is made in

February, the price mark-up will take effect on the 1st of April; (3) 14”/20”/21”

will increase price together; (4) The target will be $1/pcs". The arrangement on

the details of this increase, including the CPT sizes concerned (14" and 20"

CPTs), the amount

926

, the customers

927

, and the implementation date (1 April, 1

May and 1 July, 2000, individually for various CPT sizes and suppliers), was

reached in the follow-up meeting of 7 March 2000

928

which apparently took

place in Asia. The minutes of this meeting show that – as it had already become

a habit during the first period – the meeting participants discussed first demand

and planned production covering the whole world, including Europe.

Afterwards the meeting participants started discussing prices and they opened

this discussion with the following introduction "According to the

aforementioned supply/demand […], the makers at the meeting proposed the

following increase plan" and they continue discussing detailed increases and

specific customers.

929

(330) At the same meeting, [CPT producer] reported that "the European 14” market

price is $36-35.5" and that "Europe’s new price will be approximately $ 38".

[CPT producer] further reported that [CPT producer]s’ current price is lower but

that [CPT producer] would follow the new price. This shows that the

arrangement on the price increase was intended to be applied also in Europe and

that [CPT producer] had agreed bilaterally with [CPT producer] to follow the

resolution of the meeting to increase prices. Before this meeting, on 6 March

2000

930

, Chunghwa had met [CPT producer]. The companies discussed among

other things 14'' CPT price and [CPT producer] confirmed that "if GSM [Glass

meeting] resolves to raise price, TSB [Toshiba] will definitely follow". In the

discussion reference was made also to [CPT producer].

(331) On 14 March 2000

931

, Chunghwa, SDI, Philips and [CPT producer] met in

Luxembourg. They monitored prices and colluded on 14'' CPT supply and

prices (including payment conditions) for specific joint customers for the first

and second quarter, including the Spanish customer Tecnimagen and the Italian

customer Mivar. The meeting report demonstrated the way in which the

companies colluded on prices in order to secure deliveries.

(332) The implementation of the price increases agreed in the meeting of 7 March

2000

932

was monitored in the meeting of 24 March 2000

933

between Chunghwa,

925

[…]

926

USD 1-2 for 14" and USD 1 for 20" leading to a new price between USD 34 and 34.5 for 14" and

between USD 52.5 and 53.5 for 20".

927

Orion, SREC, TCE, AIWA, Funai.

928

[…]

929

[…]

930

[…]

931

[…]

932

[…]

933

[…]

EN 107 EN

SDI, LGE, Philips, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer]. The meeting minutes

show that participants thoroughly verified whether the agreed upon price was

notified to the customers (in this case Funai, AIWA, TCE, SREC, Orion) and

under which conditions and delivery terms.

(333) On 14 April 2000

934

, the same companies (excluding [CPT producer]) met in

Korea and adjusted the prices for 14'' and 20'' CPTs

935

to their customers Funai,

AIWA, SREC, Orion, TCE. Prices to be charged in May, June and from July

onwards were set and they were slightly higher than those agreed on in January

2000.

936

(334) The meeting participants also discussed specifically the European 14'' CPT prices.

They observed that there was a shortage in the European 14'' CPT market and

hence concluded that "14'' CPT price will be increased gradually this year

[2000]". Accordingly, the meeting minutes report a quarter by quarter price

increase simulation for the year 2000: Q1 - $35-36; Q2 - $36-37; Q3 - $37-38;

Q4 - $38.

937

(335) There even was a suggestion "to increase the price for 14'' to $39 in 3Q and $40

in 4Q". At the same time, when the companies contemplated price increases in

Asia, they followed the price development in Europe, endeavouring to adjust the

price difference between the two regions at a certain level. This interconnection

between Asian and European prices is evident from the following part of the

meeting minutes: "[…] originally the difference between the tube price in the

European and Asian markets was more than $5.0, but now that the price in Asia

has risen to around ITC $35, the price target in Europe should be increased to

above $40."

938

According to [one party], the European price was originally kept

within USD 5 of Asian prices to discourage imports from Asia. The suggestion

was that the European price could rise to above USD 40 without risking

competition from Asian imports because the corresponding Asian price had

risen to USD 35.

939

(336) It appears, however, that the contemplated European price increase did not go

smoothly. Chunghwa reported a meeting with Philips and [CPT producer] on 28

April 2000 in China, where Philips and [CPT producer] were blamed for being

the root of the problem in Europe.

940

Chunghwa was frustrated as it could not

achieve a price increase in Europe without the cooperation of Philips

941

(337) On 25 May 2000

942

, Chunghwa, SDI, Philips, LGE and [CPT producer] met in

China. The participants monitored the progress of the price increases agreed on

14 April 2000 and made new arrangements for 20''

943

and 21'' CPTs

944

. The

934

[…]

935

[…]

936

In the meeting on 14 April 2000, the July price for 14" ITC CPT was set between USD 34 and 34.5 and

for 20" ITC CPT between USD 53 and 54.5.

937

[…]

938

[…]

939

[…]

940

[…]

941

[…]

942

[…]

943

[…] minimum price USD 53 for 20'' CPT ITC.

EN 108 EN

discussions, however, were largely concentrated on the European CPT market.

With reference to the meeting on 14 April 2000, the participants concluded that:

"(1) The reasonable price in Europe will be a 116% of S.E. Asia due to the

additional cost, e.g. freight charge and import duties etc. […]

(2) European 14” price should be at least $40 on the assumption that S.E. Asia

price will be a $34 on Q4 .

(3) European meeting is scheduled on 5/26 in Brussels, there is some lower

price, but current price level is $36, $38/Q3 & $40/Q4 can be possible as we

mentioned the certain price level of Europe on 4/14 meeting. […]

(4) […] Europe’s actual volume of demand for 14” is 11.0 M, and after

deducting import volume of 1.9M, 9,1 M can be fulfilled by local suppliers, so

we request main suppliers not to further expand."

945

(338) The following extract from the meeting minutes of 25 May 2000 showing a chart

titled "14" CPT price gap curve between Europe and S.E.Asia" shows how the

price difference between Europe and Asia was followed by CPT in order to be

exploited as described above in Recital (337):

(339) As can be seen from the above chart (Recital (338)), the ratio between the Asian

and European prices had become smaller between 1997 and 1999 and a

"reasonable" price level in Europe was considered to be "116% level of

S.E.Asia [Southeast]" and at least USD 40 in relation to the South-East Asian

price of USD 34. The participants were optimistic that the price could be

increased to this level.

(340) The minutes of the meeting clearly demonstrate the interconnection between the

Asian and European prices. The discussion summarised in Recitals (337) to

(339) means that the European CPT manufacturers could sell for a price 16%

higher than the Asian manufacturers without losing any orders to Asian

competition, because the Asian manufacturers faced higher costs as regards

sales in Europe

946

, due to transport costs and import duty. The discussions also

944

[…] the price guideline in Asia is USD 51 for 21'' CPT Bare and USD 54.5 for 21'' CPT ITC.

945

[…]

946

[…]

EN 109 EN

reflected the new anti-dumping duty that was imposed on 28 April 2000 in the

EC as Philips was requested to raise its European 14'' CPT price because "[CPT

producer] already raised its price close to PH's price in March and is currently

impacted by Anti-dumping".

(341) On 20 June 2000

947

, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips, [CPT producer] and [CPT

producer] met in Malaysia. They monitored the price increases to individual

customers agreed on 14 April 2000. They also followed up their discussion on

25 May 2000 (see Recitals (337) to (340)) regarding Europe. Philips and

Chunghwa coordinated their efforts to increase the 14'' CPT price in Europe

under favourable demand conditions. In this context they noted that it was

difficult to raise the 14" CPT price to more than $38 because of problems in 20"

CPT price. Chunghwa explained that its production lines could not meet

demand and that it was eager to take the opportunity to raise price again. Hence,

it asked Philips to jointly push the price up. After the meeting Philips confirmed

that their price for the third quarter was already increased to more than USD 39

and asked Chunghwa to follow.

948

(342) The meeting minutes also refer to a bilateral arrangement between Philips and

[CPT producer] concluded in May 2000

949

concerning Europe and implemented

by Philips towards certain Italian customers in June 2000. Chunghwa was

displeased as it was not notified of this price increase and it now had to raise the

price by 1$ at the last moment. The report indicates that Chunghwa was

expected to adhere to the price arrangement reached by Philips and [CPT

producer] but that due to learning too late of the price arrangement, Chunghwa

preferred to maintain the price at USD 38 in the third quarter.

(343) On 23 June 2000

950

, Philips blamed Chunghwa for not cooperating to raise the

European 14'' CPT price and discussions were held between Philips and

Chunghwa regarding the price increase. Chunghwa defended itself by

explaining that "it was not proper to inform the customers at the last minute to

raise the price again by $1". The companies also discussed the price of 20'' and

21'' CPTs in Europe, which according to Chunghwa "was even lower than the

price in China". Philips indicated that the negotiations with the other European

producers did not go smoothly and asked Chunghwa to reconsider the price

raise. Chunghwa assured Philips in the following terms: "I said that CPT didn’t

intend to disturb the market and it is a sincere gesture to limit itself from taking

orders from customers which have conflicting interests or to inform PH first

before taking orders. Besides, the growth in quantity this year is mostly from

CPT’s original own customers and CPT didn’t fight for orders viciously against

PH."

(344) MEI was also involved in the coordinated price increases in 2000 through bilateral

contacts. Chunghwa and MEI had a meeting on 21 June 2000

951

, where in

addition to discussing future production plans, Chunghwa informed MEI about

the recent price increases for 20'' and 21'' CPTs in Asia. It reported that the price

947

[…]

948

[…]

949

[…]

950

[…]

951

[…]

EN 110 EN

increases had been very successful and that customers had accepted the new

prices. Chunghwa encouraged MEI to participate by announcing that also [CPT

producer] had "agreed to increase the current price of Bare 48-48-$49/pcs

to$51/pcs in August". MEI forthwith "promised to take action to announce the

price increase of 20''/21'' tubes to customers". Following this, MEI had a

bilateral meeting with Samsung on 28 June 2000.

952

Contrary to [parties to the

proceedings']

953

arguments raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections,

the meeting report contains a clear reference to Europe, namely production

capacity in the United Kingdom was discussed.

(345) On 13 July 2000

954

, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips and [CPT producer] met in

Korea. They monitored the price increases agreed on 14 April 2000 and exports

of 21'' CPTs to Europe, including those made via agents and trading companies.

In this context they noted the production or export volumes of individual

companies and the prices when exports were carried out through trading

companies. The meeting participants congratulated themselves for having

successfully increased the prices for 14'' and 20'' CPTs for the customer TCE

and discussed in detail how to exercise pressure on the customer SREC in order

to push through the price increase.

955

(346) In the meeting of 22 August 2000

956

in Taiwan, the companies reviewed again the

progress of the price increases agreed on 14 April 2000 and analysed the

worldwide market. Chunghwa reported that the demand for small and medium-

sized tubes in Europe was good but was expected to go down. Philips indicated

that "European 14'' tubes attained good results" and that "the price is raised to

$38-39", thereby confirming the implementation of the price fixing

arrangements reached on 14 April and 25 May 2000 (see Recitals (333)-(335),

(337)-(340)). Philips lamented that "currently, the price of 20''/21'' is low" but

thought it would be possible to raise the price. Philips indicated that a price

increase in Europe for 20''/21'' CPTs was also on its way and referred to a

scheduled meeting in September: "in early September, GSM Europe will discuss

and reach a conclusion".

(347) Chunghwa was also concerned about the low prices for 20''/21''CPTs in Europe.

That was not a new issue. For example, as early as 2 February 2000, Samsung,

Philips, Thomson and [CPT producer] met in Warsaw

957

. They discussed 20''

and 21'' CPT production and prices and agreed that "it is necessary to order cut

(price increase) from April". The minutes of the meeting suggest that bottom

prices for the second quarterwere agreed among the participants (around 96

DEM for 20'' CPTs and around 105 DEM for 21'' CPTs). Between 13 and 20

September 2000

958

, Chunghwa also had bilateral meetings with SDI, Philips and

[CPT producer] and discussed the European market with them. In the bilateral

meetings Chunghwa raised the issue of the low prices of 20'' and 21'' CPTs in

Europe. It indicated that if the prices did not increase in the future, the price

952

[…]

953

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

954

[…]

955

[…]

956

[…]

957

[…]

958

[…]

EN 111 EN

increase for 14'' CPTs would not be possible either because of the small price

gap between the different sizes. The small price gap had, according to

Chunghwa, already led to a situation where 20'' and 21'' CPTs had started to

replace 14'' CPTs. SDI, Philips and [CPT producer] all reassured Chunghwa that

"they will begin actively adjust prices on 20/21'' and that "they expect

adjustment of at least 10% increase within one year". In this regard, records

[…] of a meeting held on 15 September 2000, which SDI believes was attended

also by Philips, [CPT producer] and Thomson

959

show discussions on planned

price increases for 20'' and 21'' CPTs for SDI, Philips, Thomson and [CPT

producer]. In addition, the records show a price increase proposal in respect of

25'' and 28'' models.

(348) On 18 September 2000

960

, a Glass meeting between Chunghwa, SDI, Philips and

[CPT producer] was held at Chunghwa's premises in Scotland. Despite the

concerns raised about the price level of 20''/21'' CPTs, this meeting concentrated

on 14'' CPTs. Chunghwa, SDI, Philips and [CPT producer] analysed European

supply and demand for 2001 and set out their respective prices overall for the

foruth quarter and for some specific customers in Europe. Price increases for the

fourth quater were scheduled in order to attain the target price USD 39, which

was agreed in the meetings of 14 April 2000 and 25 May 2000. The meeting

report shows further that the collusion covered also a customer having structural

links to one of the cartel members, Samsung.

961

(349) The companies also discussed issues relating to oversupply

962

, which would later

lead to an output limitation arrangement at the beginning of 2001 (see Recital

(358))

(350) A meeting between Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips and [CPT producer] was held

on 21 September 2000

963

in Taiwan. Apart from yet again monitoring the

implementation of the price increases agreed on 14 April 2000 towards specific

customers, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips and [CPT producer] concentrated

largely on the European market situation. Reporting about the European Glass

meeting a few days earlier, Philips informed the meeting participants that "in

Europe, price increase received pretty good results; price adjusted up to $38-

39", confirming again the implementation of the arrangements of 14 April 2000

and 25 May 2000. Following Philips' proposal that the price of 20''/21'' CPTs in

Europe should be increased, the discussion concentrated on the low price of 20''

and 21'' CPTs in Europe. The meeting participants decided that prices in Europe

must be increased. They invited Philips to take the lead for 20'' and 21'' CPT

price increase and agreed a coordination whereby SDI would request its German

factory to increase the 20" price to around [DEM?] 110 and its staff in Germany

to coordinate with Philips Europe on implementation of the increase.

959

[…]

960

[…]

961

The fact that Samsung did not commit to raise prices for the customers Mivar and Tecnimagen was

followed-up in the meeting on 25 October 2000 (see Recital (351)) in which Samsung explained that

due to exchange rate USD/DEM its price to Tecnimagen in fact is not lower than the one of Chunghwa

and that, concerning Mivar, it will verify the situation and report back to the next meeting […]

962

[…]

963

[…]

EN 112 EN

(351) On 25 October 2000

964

, Chunghwa, SDI, LGE, Philips, [CPT producer] and – this

time also – [CPT producer] met in Korea and were taking stock on the European

price increase for 14", 20" and 21" CPT as follows: "14” Price is no longer on

the rise and for 20”/21” price, [name] said PH/Thomson/SDI/[CPT producer] has

agreed to raise price to DM 110/DM 120 respectively; Implementation date:

general customers – Nov/01/2000, major customers – Jan/01/2001. Also, it is hoped

that 21” price will reach DM 135 in the second half of next year."

(352) It appears from the above extract of the meeting minutes that SDI, Philips,

Thomson and [CPT producer] had jointly agreed to increase the price of 20''

and 21'' CPTs to DEM 110 and DEM 120, respectively, on 1 November 2000

and 1 January 2001. The above passage also demonstrates that they

contemplated a further price increase for 21'' CPTs in 2001. The meeting of 25

October 2000 and the series of bilateral meeting in September 2000 (see Recital

(347)) further show the interplay between prices of various CPT sizes. The

competitors were aware that the demand would easily swap from 14" to 20"/21"

CPTs if there was no sufficient price gap and addressed this issue in their

following meetings (see Recital (358)).

(353) The meeting participants further concluded that "the supply and demand in the

market of 20”/21”/21”F tubes next year are more heated than this year and the

price raise in the European Market should be successful." The meeting

participants also monitored the implementation of the price increases towards

specific customers agreed on 14 April 2000.

(354) The 21 September 2000 and 25 October 2000 meetings demonstrate, once again,

how European prices were also agreed upon in meetings held in Asia.

Participants were reviewing demand and supply in 2000 and the plans for 2001

per quarter, detailing production plans per producer. In this context the

importance of such exchange of data regarding future plans was highlighted,

especially concerning Europe, and it was announced that the working level staff

were to be requested to arrange for better updates:

"Top management feels that

there is a discrepancy between the demand percentages for each quarter and

the actual, current market status, especially with the European market. Working

level staff should continue to compile information to provide up-date." A

working level meeting was announced for the end of November 2000 to confirm

the situation in 2001.

965

See in this respect also the information exchange

network put in place, as evidenced in particular by the documents submitted by

Thomson (see Recitals (304)-(310)).

(355) On 30 October 2000 SDI, Philips, [CPT producer] and Thomson held a meeting

most likely in Rome.

966

They discussed individual participants' price intentions

for the 20" and 21" CPT for the first quarter of 2001 and the fourth quarter of

2000, 14" CPT price increase in Europe and Asia, compared European and

Asian prices for 20" CPTs and discussed production capacity per producer.

964

[…]

965

[…]

966

[…] [party to the proceedings'] document refers to a meeting on 30/31 October 2000 in Rome

concerning medium size tubes.

EN 113 EN

(356) On 17 November 2000

967

, a meeting took place in Amsterdam between

Chunghwa, Philips and [CPT producer]. In an attempt to keep the market stable,

the meeting participants coordinated their 14'' CPT pricing intentions per

customer for the fourth quarter of 2000 and the first quarter of 2001 as well as

their production volumes for 2001.

(357) On 4 December 2000

968

, Philips, Samsung and Thomson held a meeting in

Amsterdam. The participants discussed the range of prices planned for the

subsequent period by the various companies for large size CPTs, in particular

for 28", 29" and 32" CPTs. The documents show that the parties reviewed the

market demand as well as the planned supply in Europe by Philips, SDI,

Thomson and MEC and thereafter concluded that for 28" and 29" CPT there is a

risk of oversupply "unless the flexibility in the factories is being used

differently". Price increase guidelines were discussed and it was suggested to

raise prices "right now".

(358) The first piece of evidence originating from 2001 is an internal e-mail from

Chunghwa dated 3 January 2001

969

. This e-mail shows that Philips had

contacted Chunghwa in order to seek support for the price increase of the 20"

CPT (as agreed in the meeting on 25 October 2000, see Recitals (351)-(353)) by

requesting competitors to reduce workdays in the first quarter. The minutes of a

subsequent meeting of 24 January 2001

970

between Chunghwa, Philips and

[CPT producer] show that this arrangement indeed was implemented: the

competitors met in Glasgow and reported that Philips would stop the production

of 14'' CPTs for 5 weekends in January 2001 and Orion for 2-3 weeks in

February 2001. The broader goal of the 14" CPT output limitation, that is to

support the price increase for the 20" and 21" CPTs, transpires form

Chunghwa's internal report of 31 January 2001

971

where it reads as follows:

"[…] PH/[CPT producer] are rigorously increasing the price on 20/21”, and

they have adamantly demanded that the 14” price remain stagnant for the time

being."

972

(359) On 12 January 2001

973

, looking back at the year 2000, Chunghwa's subsidiary in

the UK reported on the successful price increases on the European market for

14" CPTs to its Asian headquarters. In its report it noted that this success was

due to the role of GSM meetings and the lead taken by Philips and Chunghwa.

(360) The report goes on to propose a market sharing arrangement by way of exercising

caution with regard to certain customers and, instead, targeting some others:

"My proposal is as follows, we should not fight a price war with the other CRT

makers over Daewoo in Poland instead we should examine all other ways to

improve our conditions of sale to Daewoo Poland and maintain our existing

share, this course of action should ensure that the GSM continues to operate.

CPT should target the two customers in Italy and make every effort to win back

967

[…]

968

[…]

969

[…]

970

[…]

971

[…]

972

[…]

973

[…]

EN 114 EN

and increase its market share here at the expense of [CPT producer]. The same

attitude may be applied to Vestel where [CPT producer] also supply but we

need to be careful that we do not steal market share from Philips with this

customer."

(361) The two Chunghwa internal reports of 3 and 12 January 2001 show how

information and proposals regarding course of action from the European

subsidiary were communicated to the Asian headquarters.

(362) On 25-26 January 2001

974

, a meeting between SDI, Philips, Thomson and [CPT

producer] took place in Durham, United Kingdom. Besides the planned creation

of [Philips/LGE joint venture] being introduced by Philips, the meeting

participants concerted on their 20'' and 21'' CPT production and import strategy

as well as price strategy (see also Recital (358)) for the first half of 2001 (first

and second quarter separately) by each company. In addition, the parties

discussed Philips' planned 20'' import price for products made in Brazil.

(363) While a series of price fixing arrangements was reached for Asia in the meetings

on 20 March 2001

975

, on 18 April 2001

976

, on 26 June 2001

977

and 24 July

2001

978

and on 21 August 2001

979

, further meetings also took place in Europe in

the meantime. On 21 August 2001

980

, SDI, Philips, Thomson and [CPT

producer] met in Berlin. The producers discussed sales and prices by customer

and supplier. The meeting participants concerted regarding their planned prices

for 20" and 21" CPTs for 3 Q in the same manner as in the previous meeting on

26 January 2001 (see Recital (362)). In the meeting, Thomson was requested -

and it agreed - not to lower its prices below the ranges agreed for the 20" and

21" CPT.

(364) On 5 July 2001

981

, the same producers (with Philips replaced by [Philips/LGE

joint venture)

982

met in Luxembourg. They exchanged information concerning

the European market for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs and, in this respect, shared data

on their respective inventories and received orders from specific customers for

the second half of the year. This information was crucial as they themselves

noted that "the key to further pricing policy is how fast the inventory depletes

and how fast the demand grows". . They discussed the pricing in 3Q and agreed

974

[…] 3 June 2008 and 19 May 2009. […] In addition, according to [party to the proceedings], an earlier

meeting on 24 January 2001 took place in Glasgow with Chunghwa and [CPT producer].

975

Between Chunghwa, Samsung, Philips, LGE and [CPT producer] […]In this meeting, the participants

agreed on a price of USD 28.5 for 14" and of USD 46 for 20". They also noted that the European 14''

CPT market was slow. Philips accused Samsung of increasing its market share in relation to the Spanish

customer Tecnimagen by "lower pricing". Chunghwa and [Philips/LGE joint venture] expressed their

intention "to discuss in depth the European market situation and each makers' tactic".

976

Between Chunghwa, Samsung, Philips, LGE, [CPT producers] […] The price guideline from the

meeting of 20 March 2001 was expressly confirmed.

977

[…]

978

Chunghwa, Samsung, LGE and [CPT producer] lowered the prices in the June meeting (to USD 26.5

for 14" and USD 44 for 20"), just to confirm the new price level in the meeting in July […]

979

In this meeting, Chunghwa, Samsung, LG, [CPT producers] met in Korea. They maintained the price

guidelines concerning 20'' CPT agreed on 26 June 2001 but replaced the general guidelines for 14'' CPT

by a more detailed agreement, setting out the prices for certain customers in October […]

980

[…]

981

[…]

982

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 115 EN

that no further price increases should take place on 4Q, citing DEM 103-116 for

20'' CPTs and DEM 113-117 for 21'' CPTs. The conclusion of the meeting

therefore was that "each company is expected to maintain the current price into

Q4".

(365) On 26 October 2001

983

, an industry wide meeting was held in the […] in Brussels.

The meeting participants – including Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture], Thomson and [CPT producer]

984

- discussed the European CPT market

and shared information on production capacity and demand 2001. The European

market was expected to suffer from slowing demand and oversupply. In

addition, an increasing inflow of Asian low-priced CPTs was seen as a threat to

the European producers. The way forward was to "control supply and maintain

a proper price to survive". It was declared that "production cut is the only

choice for the producers to co-survive". The [manager] – [name] of Thomson –

called for restraint from price competition, cooperation and coordinated action

in the following terms: "(1) producers need to avoid price competition through

controlling their production capacity (of flat types in particular), and (2) the

European economy is expected to slow down beginning in the second half of

2002. A mutual cooperation is required to deal with an expected economic

downturn."

(366) On 30 October 2001 SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

985

and Thomson met in

Paris.

986

The meeting concerned medium sized tubes, that is 20'' and 21'' CPTs.

The participants discussed both the 2001 and 2002 capacity per size and

producer ([Philips/LGE joint venture], SDI, Thomson, [CPT producer], [CPT

producer]). In addition, they discussed planned price increases for each

customer during the fourth quarter of 2001 and the first quarter of 2002.

(367) On 20 November 2001

987

, Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT

producer]

988

met in Taiwan. They discussed prices each of them was supposed

to charge to joint customers. Concerning Philips' supplies of 20'' CPTs to the

Spanish customer Tecnimagen, SDI protested against Philips' "regional market

price disruption practices". Philips, in turn protested against SDI's "low pricing

policy" towards the United Kingdom customer JVC. In this regard Philips

informed that it "had no objection to SDIG's [Samsung's German subsidiary]

plan to supply JVC" but insisted on SDI keeping a specific minimum price

989

SDI agreed to consult its headquarters and keep Philips informed of the

outcome. The two competitors discussed also the Turkish market and SDI

requested Philips to keep the 1Q 2001 price towards the customer Vestel at

983

[…]

984

Other participants to this meeting were [CPT producers].

985

[…] has in its reply to the Statement of Objections pointed out that at this time period it was already

[…][Philips/LGE joint venture] that participated in the meetings. […] reply to the Statement of

Objections […]

986

[…]

987

[…] refer to date "Oct. 31", but […] document as well as […] refer to the date of 30 October.

988

[…] has in its reply to the Statement of Objections pointed out that at this time period it was already

their joint venture with LGE [Philips/LGE joint venture] that participated in the meetings. […] reply to

the Statement of Objections […]

989

DM 650 for 32" CPTs.

EN 116 EN

DEM 105 minimum

990

. Philips promised to inform SDI of the outcome of its

meeting with Vestel in this respect. The parties also reviewed their respective

planned production, supply and the fourth quarter price per customer for 28''

CPTs.

(368) On 20 November 2001

991

, Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT

producer] met in Taiwan. The meeting participants reviewed the worldwide

market and exchanged their estimates on CPT global supply and demand for

2001 and 2002. As regards Europe, they estimated that demand for small size

CPTs would exceed supply in Europe in 2002. They also noted that for the

medium sized CPTs supply increase would come from Europe, Asia and

mainland China, which in particular includes [Philips/LGE joint venture's] and

SDI's plans to increase production in the United Kingdom and Hungary. They

concluded further that, as regards 20''/21'' CPTs, Europe would be one of the

regions contributing to the increase in production in 2002. Moreover, new price

guidelines for the 14'' and 20'' CPT customers Orion, Funai, Thomson, SREC,

JVC Thailand, Sanyo for the 1Q of 2002 were agreed upon

992

(369) On 18 January 2002

993

the first multilateral meeting of the year was held. In this

meeting, Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT producer]

discussed again demand and prices, they were concerned about attempts to take

each others' business and Chunghwa complained about SDI's attempt to take

14" CPT orders from Thomson by lowering prices. [CPT producer] promised

that it will "definitely abide by the price agreed by each maker and not cut

prices to grab orders". The participants reiterated the price guideline for the

second quarter in 2002, as agreed on 20 November 2001 with a slight

994

downward adjustment in 14" CPT price for 4 out of the 6 customers discussed.

They further agreed on regular exchange of information concerning customer

movements for small and middle size CPTs.

(370) Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT producer] met again on 22

February 2002

995

in Taiwan. The participants agreed on new price guidelines for

the 6 major customers

996

and Chunghwa continued accusing SDI of cutting

prices and stealing orders from it in Europe. SDI denied in general the

allegations but acknowledged having offered lower prices for Thomson in the

first quarter, but claimed having later increased price to Thomson for 10" CPTs

to balance the price decrease. Chunghwa was not pleased about losing orders

from its major customer Thomson to SDI and contemplated possible retribution.

The meeting minutes also demonstrate that there were supply quotas per

customer in the CPT market.

990

For 21" CPTs.

991

[…]

992

Around USD 25.5 for 14" and around USD 43 for 20". These guidelines were adjusted further in the

meeting of 21 December 2001 […] between Chunghwa, Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

[CPT producer] as regards 14'' CPT for customers WET and Thomson.

993

[…]

994

USD 0.5.

995

[…]

996

Orion, Funai, Thomson, SREC, JVC, Sanyo. The prices were set at around USD 24 for 14" and around

USD 42 for 20" […]

EN 117 EN

(371) On 1 March 2002

997

, a meeting concentrating on 14'' CPTs was held in Glasgow.

Chunghwa and [CPT producer] discussed the European market and analysed their

sales in 2001. Chunghwa and [CPT producer] accused [Philips/LGE joint venture]

of contributing to the falling prices and they suggested that [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

998

should lead a price increase in Europe and be prepared to lose some

market share for a short time until Chunghwa and [CPT producer] catch up, but

[Philips/LGE joint venture] refused. As a consequence, "the meeting broke up

with no real agreement as to how to stabilise the price and market share".

(372) In a meeting between Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT

producer] on 20 March 2002

999

, the price guidelines agreed upon in February

(see Recital (370)) were adjusted slightly

1000

, however, there were also

suggestions made in the meeting regarding a coordinated price increase. It was

nevertheless pointed out that without coordination with Toshiba and [CPT

producer] a successful increase would be difficult. The meeting participants thus

realised that all industry participants would need to join the proposed increase

for the arrangement to work.

(373) Subsequently, in April 2002, as is documented in an internal e-mail exchange of 4

April 2002

1001

[Philips/LGE joint venture] met, first, Toshiba and SDI in a

meeting focused on large sized CPTs and, second, Chunghwa, SDI and [CPT

producer] in a meeting dedicated to small and medium sized CPTs. The

competitors reached a "consensus" to increase prices from May.

(374) Another internally circulated meeting report shows that [Philips/LGE joint

venture], SDI and Toshiba met on 12 April 2002

1002

in Korea. The participants

monitored first and second quarter prices per producer and agreed on a price

guideline for the third quarter of 2002. MEI had not participated in the meeting

but, according to the meeting report, "agreed to cooperate with 3 companies

through Toshiba". The background of the price increase efforts was the fact that

the CPT lines were running on full capacity world wide

1003

and the companies

considered the time to be right to stop the price erosion. The above-mentioned

internal [Philips/LGE joint venture] e-mails of 4 April 2002

1004

show

furthermore that Asian prices were used as references in Europe and vice versa

in order to decide on pricing for the two regions.

(375) Panasonic

1005

has in this context contested its participation thorough Toshiba and

its awareness of the overall plan. However, in the meeting of 12 April 2002, the

participants agreed to have a meeting every two months and declared that the

next meeting would be held in Japan. It was in that context that the following

statement was made regarding MEI and Toshiba: "MATSUSHITA will not join

this meeting, but agreed to cooperate with 3 companies through TOSHIBA".

997

[…]

998

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

999

[…]

1000

The prices for 20" for the customer Sanyo, as well as the prices for 14" and 20" for the customer JVC

were supposed to be lowered by USD 0.5.

1001

[…]

1002

[…]

1003

[…]

1004

[…]

1005

[…] […]

EN 118 EN

Moreover, contrary to [party to the proceedings']

1006

arguments raised in its

reply to the Statement of Objections, the meeting report shows clearly the

determination of the participants to continue their cooperation in the future even

if it would be less frequent (every two months) and the report shows word-wide

scope of the discussions, thereby covering also Europe.

(376) In the multilateral meeting of 22 April 2002

1007

, instead of increasing the price,

Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT producer] agreed to

maintain the current pricing. Although they all agreed in principle to raise

prices, they accepted the fact that in practice it would be difficult as, among

other things, they would need to "control" [CPT producer]. They therefore

agreed to encourage [CPT producer] to participate in the multilateral meetings

in order to "maintain stability for prices".

(377) On 27 May 2002

1008

, a meeting between SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

Toshiba took place in Korea. The purpose of the meeting was "to share

information and to hold up CPT price in Asia". The meeting participants agreed

to "keep 2Q price level" for the third quarter in Asia. Furthermore, Toshiba

agreed to increase prices for specific customers. An internal follow-up e-mail

from [Philips/LGE joint venture]

1009

further evidences the interconnection

between Asia and Europe: [manager] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] invites the

"EU colleague" to let […] know if there's anything […] should talk to SDI and

Toshiba about at a global level. Contrary to [party to the proceedings'] claim,

the contact had global importance. Namely, the [Philips/LGE joint venture] e-

mail confirms the global coverage of the cartel arrangements overall as there an

Asian manager invites managers from Europe to inform […] if there is anything

[…] should talk with Samsung and Toshiba about at global level. Contrary to

[party to the proceedings'] claims, this evidences the fact that concerning

Samsung and Toshiba it was their managers in Asia that needed to be involved

in the cartel discussions regarding to Europe. The Commission notes that in this

meeting the information shared to achieve price arrangement had global

coverage. Volumes of the participants in the United States, Europe and Asia

were discussed and in that context an explicit reference is made to the capacity

of the SDI's plant in Hungary.

(378) On 21 June 2002

1010

Chunghwa, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT producer]

met in Berlin. They discussed European 14'' CPT pricing and noted the

following per producer concerning prices that would be charged per customer:

"Q1 lowest price was [CPT producer] at $22 this price has now increased to

$23 for Q2. General agreement was that AP price was around $24. The

indication for Q2 is that price has risen to $25. However, we have confirmed

offers from [CPT producers] to EU at $24 FOB. = $28.50 / $29 Landed EU. It

was agreed that as long as AP prices remain around $25 there will be no

chance for EU producers to raise price, in fact we will still be under pressure to

reduce pries to AP levels.

1006

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1007

[…]

1008

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1009

[…]

1010

[…]

EN 119 EN

(379) As can be seen from the above extract of the meeting minutes, the European

meeting participants were fully aware of the price development in Asia

1011

and

the outcome of the 27 May 2002 meeting

1012

. It is further evidenced by the

meeting minutes that the participants were looking at the Asian price ("around $

24") when contemplating and, ultimately, rejecting any price increase in

Europe, citing rather the pressure to reduce prices at the Asian levels.

(380) The following European meeting was held on 27 June 2002

1013

in Rome between

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture], Thomson and [CPT producer] concerning 20"

and 21" CPTs. The participants discussed sales per company and per customer

in first three quarters of 2002 as well as capacity and production per company

together with line configurations (including future plans). They discussed each

participant's sales per customer in the first three quarters of 2002 and prices per

customer in the first two quarters of 2002. The participants compared the

changes in each company's position in sales and the situation regarding imports.

The conclusion of the meeting was that there was a "huge" overcapacity in the

industry which was expected to persist in 4Q 2002.

(381) After the 22 April 2002 meeting conclusion that [CPT producer] should be

encouraged to participate, [CPT producer] called for a meeting on 13 September

2002

1014

which was attended by Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

[CPT producer] and [CPT producer]. In view of the fact that the 14'' and 20''

CPT prices had plummeted and also [CPT producer] had realised that there was

"no capital to continue order-grabbing attacks", the participants agreed on

general guidelines for both 14'' CPTs (USD 21) and 20'' CPTs (USD 37) prices

for the fourth quarter of 2002.

(382) A follow-up meeting was held on 17 October 2002

1015

in Malaysia. This time also

[CPT producer] participated. The companies discussed prices, quoting the price

guidelines agreed on 13 September 2002 and also negotiating guidelines for the

frist quarter of 2003. […] [T]he meeting minutes show that the participants

discussed the global situation, clearly referring to Asia, the United States of

1011

The meeting minutes refer to AP, which means Asia-Pacific.

1012

In this regard, it can be noted that [name] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] in Asia participating in the

meeting of 27 May 2002 in Korea informed, among others, […] (in particular [names]) of the outcome

of that meeting and the fact that the agreement was to keep the 2Q price level in Asia,

1013

[…]

1014

[…]

1015

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 120 EN

America and Europe. The following quote from the minutes of the meeting is an

example of specific references to Europe in such context: "Because of the

European Union’s opening of limited quotas, 400,000 Chinese TVs were sold to

Europe, which has no significant impact on the overall situation"

1016

. In a joint

effort to curb the price decline, they also set the "Maginot line" – the ultimate

bottom line price – for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs for key customers. In addition,

[CPT producer] talked in the meeting already about a future joint venture

between Toshiba and Panasonic (which was implemented only a half a year on

1 April 2003) and this is reported in the meeting minutes as follows: "In terms

of the new plan after the merger of TSB/MEC, TSB claimed that it would return

to Japan to attend the meeting at the beginning of November. The future

development will be clearer."

(383) Soon after that, on 25 October 2002

1017

, a Glass meeting was held in Amsterdam.

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture], Thomson and [CPT producer] participated.

The companies tracked their respective sales of 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs between

Q1 and Q3 and their expected sales in Q4 in Europe (also sales per customer).

They also discussed both past and futureproduction and capacity in their

respective European sites and the inventory levels per quarter, including the

fourth quarter.

(384) On 6 December 2002

1018

, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Toshiba met in

Asia

1019

. The meeting participants discussed among other things their

expectations for global demand, they agreed on CPT prices for the first quarter

of 2003 and set the guidelines for the second quarter of 2003 for 15'', 21'', 25'',

29'', 28 ''and 32'' CPTs. Furthermore, Europe was explicitly discussed in the

meeting (contrary to what [party to the proceedings] argues in its reply to the

Statement of Objections): the meeting minutes note a threat from [Philips/LGE

joint venture] Brazil to offer low prices for 14'' CPTs bound for Europe and call

for cooperation between SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] Brazil in this

respect and with respect to 36'' CPTs the minutes note that "[p]roduction in

Germany decided – end of 03".

1020

(385) On 12 December 2002

1021

, Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] met to

exchange information and discuss the future prospects of CPT production. A

further GSM meeting was held on 17 December 2002

1022

between Chunghwa,

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],[CPT producers]. The meeting started with

[CPT producer's] presentation of "Global CPT Demand vs Capacity" for 2003

prepared by its marketing department which was discussed by the meeting

attendees. The meeting participants also exchanged data on their respective 14''

CPT production costs. They further estimated each producer's average

production capacity and utilization rate in Southeast Asia for 1Q 2003 for 14'',

20'' and 21'' CPTs. The companies also agreed to adjust the price difference

between different types of CPT tubes, which had been set 2-3 years earlier.

1016

[…]

1017

[…]

1018

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1019

According to […] the meeting was held either in Korea or Japan […]

1020

[…]

1021

[…]

1022

[…]

EN 121 EN

They agreed that the difference between bare tubes and ITC tubes should be

kept at USD 2.5 for 14" CPTs, at USD 3.0/3.5 for 20" CPTs and at USD 4.0 for

21" CPTs.

(386) The companies further agreed on the new prices for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs for 1Q

in 2003 for the customers World, SREC, Thomson, JVC, MKI, Funai and Sony.

They also set the "Maginot line" for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs at USD 20.5, USD

36 and USD 38, respectively (see Recital (382) above concerning the concept of

the Maginot line).

(387) The first multilateral meeting of 2003, for which there is documentary evidence,

was an SML meeting held on 10 February 2003

1023

. SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and Matsushita-Toshiba exchanged data and discussed estimates,

profitability, sales, prices, customers, production and demand. Also European

operations were mentioned. They reviewed world-wide demand, their respective

sales and market shares in 2002 and agreed on world wide target market shares

and corresponding sales results for 2003 as follows:

Worldwide demand forecast by company (Unit: M,%)

'02

'03

worldwide

demand

results

M/S

worldwide

demand

results

M/S

SDI

165

19.4

161

34.5

21.4

[Philips/LGE JV]

JV]

167

42.8

25.6

159

42.7

26.8

Toshiba+Matsushita

165

23.7

(9.3+13.4)

14.4

160

15.6

Toshiba suggested having a Top meeting "to strengthen collaboration amid

market difficulties"

1024

, showing an active role in the cartel.

(388) Contrary to [party to the proceedings']

1025

argument in its reply to the Statement of

Objections regarding the meeting of 10 February 2003, the fact that target sales

and market shares for 2003 were included in the table clearly shows that they

were discussed during the meeting, even though there are two slightly different

versions of a table listing the demand "forecasts" on the Commission's file

1026

Documents regarding this meeting show that detailed company-specific world

wide sales information for sizes from 10" to 38" CPTs was discussed. In this

meeting report (like in many other documents) when the parties discuss their

future plans (agree or concert), they use the word "forecast" as a synonym for

collusion on future plans. Concerning [party to the proceedings']

1027

arguments

1023

[…]

1024

[…]

1025

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1026

[…]

1027

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […] See also the report on the meeting of 12 April 2002:

"MATSUSHITA will not join this meeting, but agreed to cooperate with 3 companies through

TOSHIBA" […]

EN 122 EN

raised in the reply to the Statement of Objections, it is noted that from the

minutes of the meeting it is clear that Matsushita and Toshiba had a common

representative in the meeting in line with the announced future joint venture,

MTPD. During the meeting confidential information concerning MEI was

shared which could not be obtained by Toshiba if MEI had not been

participating through Toshiba. For example, when Toshiba shared information

on results or sales, it gave results that had already been calculated for MTPD but

also in brackets separately gave results for Toshiba and Matsushita. It also

shared other information concerning MEI production, namely that it had

stopped production in the United States of America. As for [party to the

proceedings']

1028

arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections, it is noted

that specific discussions regarding [Philips/LGE joint venture]'s European

factories related also to other products than [party to the proceedings] claims

(that is 21'' F, 28'' and 14'' CPTs) and the discussions regarding Europe were not

limited to the status of the production lines of [Philips/LGE joint venture]'s

European factories, but by definition Europe was also included in the

discussions of world wide scope.

(389) The following meeting for which there is evidence on the file was organised

swiftly between Chunghwa, [Philips/LGE joint venture], [CPT producer] and

[CPT producer] on 21 February 2003.

1029

Some meeting participants were

accused of cutting the prices in order to compete for orders and the companies

questioned the usefulness of continuing the meetings concluding that: "After the

meeting held on December 17 last year, the market price continued to drop

lower than the baseline quote for customers set at that meeting. In light of the

fact that several of customers heard that SDI had taken the lead in Offering low

prices in order to compete for orders, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT

producer] questioned the effectiveness and significance of the meeting and have

thought about terminating the Glass meeting. After contacting each other, they

changed their minds. […] During the meeting, [CPT producer] once again

questioned the significance of the meeting in light of the fact that price would

continue to drop after the meeting." The parties nevertheless agreed that such

meetings were useful in coordinating market behaviour: "LG stated that it is

better to have meetings than no meetings at all, but the form of the meetings

should change. For example, it is not necessary to set the baseline price for

customers one by one. Nevertheless, holding meetings will still serve a positive

significance on exchanging market intelligence and price quote information to

be used as quotation references". The parties had a consensus to continue

meetings.

(390) On 20 March 2003

1030

, Chunghwa, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] met and

set price guidelines concerning 14'' and 20'' CPTs for 1Q and 2Q in 2003 for the

customers Orion, Funai, TTC, SREC, JVC and Sanyo

1031

1028

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1029

[…]

1030

[…]

1031

The prices were set around USD 24 for 14" ITC CPTs for 2Q and around USD 42 for 20" ITC CPTs for

2Q.

EN 123 EN

(391) On 25 April 2003

1032

, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD met in Korea,

this time to discuss 3Q prices. The companies "agreed to attempt to maintain an

appropriate price" and agreed on bottom prices for the third quarter in 2003 for

15'', 21'', 25'', 28'', 29'', 32'' CPTs.

(392) On 30 April 2003

1033

, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] met in Germany. The

companies discussed turnover, profit, sales, production and (both regional and

worldwide) market shares. They further discussed their estimations regarding

the TV market in 2003-2005. The companies decided to meet regularly at top

management level (including the responsible person for sales and marketing) on

a bilateral basis and planned the next meeting, which was to take place on 5

August 2003 in Hranice, Czech Republic."

(393) Another meeting, not directly related to the one in Germany, took place on the

same day, 30 April 2003

1034

. SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Chunghwa

met and the meeting report […] shows that, having alluded to the difficulties in

the cooperation discussed in the meeting of 21 February 2003 (see

Recital(389))

1035

and expressing the hope that the downward trend of the prices

could be reversed with mutual cooperation

1036

, the meeting participants set the

new operational rules for the "TV GSMs" (glass meetings concening TV tubes):

"1. Members: SDI; [Philips/LGE joint venture]; CPT: MTPD (merged

Toshiba and Matsushita), eliminate [CPT producers] has been fiercely vying

orders in Thailand [CPT producer]/Thomson/[CPT producer], they only listen

for information but the price information provided by them is significantly

different, it is hereby recommended to continue to observe and review to see

whether to eliminate them.

2. Future GSM schedule is temporarily set as: a. working level meetings:

once quarterly (around the 20th of February, May, August & November) and b.

management meeting to be held semi-annually (June and December).

3. Participating members from respective makers: Other than to be

attended by sales staff for Southeast Asia at the working level meetings, the

headquarters should also send sales or marketing supervisors to attend, but

management level to be attended by SDI [manager] [name], [Philips/LGE joint

venture] [manager] [name], MTPD to be confirmed, and CPT will be

represented by [manager] [name] or myself in attendance.

4. TV GSM’s chairman will be CPT for one year."

1037

1032

[…]

1033

[…]

1034

"Only working level meetings were held in Southeast Asia irregularly since September of last year, but

the effectiveness was not apparent, although communications were made to stabilize prices but the

outcome is that the makers are still in malicious competition causing the price to drop dramatically."

[…]

1035

Indeed, after the meeting on 22 April 2002, the TV GSM meetings were discontinued until [CPT

producer] called for a meeting on 13 September 2002.

1036

"Therefore, the hope is to go through communication and reach common understanding among the

superiors of the headquarters to demand actual implementation of the working level to stabilize market

pricing." […]

1037

[…]

EN 124 EN

(394) On 22 May 2003

1038

, a TV GSM took place in Singapore. The meeting

participants – Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and [CPT producer]

– agreed on the bottom line prices for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs for the second and

the third quarter. As discussed in the meeting of 21 February 2003

1039

, the

companies set general price guidelines for the third quarter and not for each

customer separately. They also discussed about price negotiations with

individual customers noting that "if there is no cooperation, some makers

probably will lose orders". All participants agreed upon the need to maintain the

"Maginot line" on prices, meaning the bottom line under which prices should

not fall.

(395) On 24 July 2003

1040

, an SML meeting was held between SDI, [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and MTPD in Korea. The companies discussed the worldwide sales

data and their market forecasts globally and for all main geographic regions

(including Europe). In response to [party to the proceedings']

1041

arguments in

its reply to the Statement of Objections, it is noted that references to Europe,

European market development and prices were made also for example in the

context of comparison of market forecasts in 2003, worldwide demand planning

per company and market perspectives. The parties discussed the European

situation

1042

and agreed on the price guidelines for 15'', 21'', 25'', 26'', 29'' and

32'' CPTs for 4Q, also including Europe, comparing at the same time previous

guidelines and parties' subsequent results during 3Q.

1043

(396) The meeting report shows that the companies updated the price fixing

arrangement achieved in the previous SML meeting in April 2003 (see Recital

(391)) and when setting the prices for the 4Q in Asia, they took into account the

prices on the European market in 3Q (29'' CPT EUR 135-140 and 32'' CPT EUR

255, Turkey EUR 240). The companies expressly excluded internal prices from

this arrangement ("European region collaboration → prefer not to touch

captive", "each player seem to strengthen their hold on captive")

1044

(397) On 5 August 2003

1045

, a Top meeting between SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

and MTPD was held in Asia. The competitors agreed that their main, critical

objective was to slow down the price decrease and that they should continue to

1038

[…]

1039

[…] It was noted that "For example, it is not necessary to set the baseline price for customers one by

one".

1040

[…]

1041

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1042

[…]"Will the weakening of the factories in Europe lead to reduction of production in Europe and

transfer to China?", "Problem arising about the prices in the European market THOMSON constitutes

the biggest problem, followed by [Philips/LGE joint venture]", "[Philips/LGE joint venture] –As

capacity is considerably high, as compared to demand, the control of capacity or production has to be

taken into consideration in Europe", "The European market shows a bad picture this year", "A way to

control production in Europe must be sought -> It would be necessary for [Philips/LGE joint venture],

THOMSON and SDI to coordinate the quantity of production together. SDI agrees, and it might be

good to discuss with Thomson in IFA", "The shutdown of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] factory in

France? This is still in discussion. The shutdown in Europe will be coordinated".

1043

[…]

1044

[…]

1045

[…]

EN 125 EN

meet to that effect, noting that continuing the staff meetings would be of great

help in that respect.

(398) In the meeting of 5 September 2003

1046

, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture], MTPD

and [CPT producer] again started the meeting with discussions on market

conditions at world wide level including Europe. Afterwards they reviewed the

prices of 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs and agreed to keep both the third and the fourth

quarter prices for certain customers at the current level. They also reviewed the

third and the fourth quarter production line operation status per company by

exchanging data on monthly capacity and operation rate.

(399) On 14 October 2003

1047

, a meeting between SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

MTPD and [CPT producer] took place in Amsterdam. The meeting participants

discussed planned supplies to Turkish customers for the coming year and

market shares in Turkey. They agreed on the prices.

(400) On 7 November 2003

1048

, Chunghwa, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

MTPD agreed on a price guideline for 14'', 20'' and 21'' CPTs for Q1 in 2004

thereby increasing prices. When setting the price guidelines they used individual

producers' quotes for specific customers as a reference.

(401) On 21 November 2003

1049

, a meeting between SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

and Thomson was held in Amsterdam. In this meeting, the participating

companies summarized the "golden rules" of their anticompetitive arrangements

in Europe which they set out schematically as follows:

1046

[…]

1047

[…] ([…] explains […] that the excel file relating to this meeting shows also under tab "2004 total" in

column AG prices agreed by Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson in a Top Meeting

held in Hong Kong on 27 September 2004), […] see also […] for reference to the 14 October 2003

price agreement.

1048

[…]

1049

[…]

EN 126 EN

(402) The minutes of the meeting also show how the European CPT producers used the

arrangements concerning Turkish customers as a proxy for the other European

customers, as is clear from the following point in the meeting agenda: "Rest of

Europe ∙ Agreement on price differential vs. Turkish prices (minimum and

target price by product)". This principle is further evidenced by the following

arrangement between the producers recorded in the meeting minutes: "for all

products and all the other customers: prices higher than Turkish". The

companies agreed on the supply plan and the prices to the Turkish customers for

the first quarter in 2004. As regards the "agreement for rest of Europe", they

planned to review the situation later on after price negotiations

1050

(403) On 28 November 2003

1051

, SDI, MTPD and [Philips/LGE joint venture] met in

Osaka. The meeting participants reviewed among other things their worldwide

sales and compared their demand forecasts. They discussed in detail the

European market, including their production plans for specific European plants.

The forecast for the European market looked good for 1Q in 2004 and the

companies contemplated price increases: "Small and medium sizes: This year,

the situation is that small and medium sizes are lacking due to the line

restructuring at CPT, [CPT producer], [Philips/LGE joint venture], etc, in

Europe. Therefore, now is a good time to control prices." This was yet another

SML meeting where small and medium sized CPTs and 14'' CPTs were

expressly discussed. Concerning [parties to the proceedings'] arguments

1052

that

the price guidelines chart shows for the the first quarter of 2004 the price of

USD 198 for Asian and Pacific countries and does not cover the price EUR 240

for Europe, it is noted that the price agreement for Europe came later in the

meeting and logically is not included in the chart but is included later in the

report.

(404) As for the larger CPTs dimensions, the parties specifically agreed the following

concerning the prices of 32" CPTs in Europe: "32WF: Market price – EUR 240-

(Q4, '03) is also to be maintained in the first quarter of next year. However,

Turkish companies try to greatly lower prices to EUR 200-210, which is

supported by Thomson. […] It will damage us to lower prices for the purpose of

elevating MS in the Turkish market. It would be good for MTPD to discuss with

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and SDI when determining prices for the Turkish

market."

1053

(405) This meeting report shows that an explicit arrangement concerning Europe was

reached in the SML meeting on 28 November 2003. Moreover, as will be shown

in Recital (438), the participants in the SML meetings also monitored the prices

of large sized CPTs in other instances with a view to fixing prices.

(406) On 4 December 2003, another meeting between Samsung, Thomson and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] took place in Paris

1054

. The context of the meeting

was that, at the end of 2003, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson

1050

A meeting among the same participants was envisaged for 12 December 2003. The Commission does

not have a record of this meeting […]

1051

[…]

1052

[…] replies to the Statement of Objections […]

1053

[…]

1054

[…]

EN 127 EN

were the main participants in Europe. [CPT producer] and Chunghwa had

already closed their European factories. MTPD did not join the European

multilateral meetings, but regularly entered into bilateral contacts with the three

participants.

1055

(407) In the meeting on 4 December 2003, apart from discussing and agreeing on

quantity and price per tube size for the Turkish market

1056

, the parties also

agreed on prices for 32" WDF CPTs

1057

in Europe and they set specific prices

for the captive customers (Samsung, Philips, LG, Thomson) for the first quarter

of 2004. The three companies agreed to share the captive market and provide

quotes to each captive customer in such a way that SDI could be the supplier for

Samsung's TV producing companies, [Philips/LGE joint venture] for Philips

and LGE, and Thomson for Thomson. It is worthwhile noting that the prices to

be charged for captive customers mirrored the price level of 32" CPT agreed for

Turkey (that is EUR 250).

4.3.3.3. Last phase – from 2004 to 2006

Overview of the collusive contacts

(408) In the period from 2004 to November 2006, CPT manufacturers continued to have

frequent contacts in Europe, Southeast Asia and China. During these contacts,

competitors discussed and agreed upon prices and output limitation, they

allocated market shares and customers and they exchanged commercially

sensitive information. Furthermore, implementation of agreed-upon prices,

production figures and market shares was monitored. Typical cartel meetings

primarily focused on a specific geographic region (such as Europe, Southeast

Asia, mainland China), however, the evidence in the Commission's file shows

that information (typically on capacities and sales planning) regarding regions

other than the one on which a specific meeting was primarily focused was also

regularly discussed.

(409) Some important changes which also affected the cartel in the coming years were

occurring in Europe around 2003. Turkish TV manufacturers were becoming

stronger in terms of cost competitiveness and more aggressive on the market

and the European TV manufacturers were, consequently, losing competitiveness

and their production was dropping fast. Therefore, CPT manufacturers

increasingly focused on the Turkish production and demand and on the effect

that would have on the European CPT producers' market shares.

1058

Besides the

CPT producers being under pressure to lower the prices due to the development

in Turkey, there were further factors (such as the introduction of LCD and PDP

screens) that contributed to the diminishing CPT demand in Europe. Production

1055

Recitals (315)- (319); see further […]

1056

[…] For 32" WF, the price was set to EUR 250.

1057

EUR 240 as minimum price, EUR 250 as target price […]

1058

[…]

EN 128 EN

sites were gradually closed down in Europe

1059

and in 2006 only limited CPT

production continued in Europe

1060

(410) In addition to the general cartel features (price fixing, market sharing and

customer allocation, output limitation), the competitors distorted competition by

attempting to reduce the imports of larger dimension CPTs to Europe.

(411) Multilateral contacts in Europe took place particularly frequently between

Thomson, SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Table 6 provides a summary

of the most important meetings among these three undertakings.

(412) Table 6:

Date of

meeting

Type of illicit behaviour

Meeting participants

9/1/2004

Price fixing, market sharing

1061

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

16/2/2004

Output limitation

1062

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

17/03/2004

Price fixing

1063

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

3/6/2004

Exchange of information

1064

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

10/11/2004

Exchange of information

1065

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

19/11/2004

Output/sales planning

1066

SDI, Thomson

1059

Recital (11) concerning Chungwa's factory in the UK; Samsung closed its production site in Germany

in 2005 […]

1060

Such as the former Thomson factory in Poland, Samsung factory in Hungary or the one of [Philips/LGE

joint venture] in Czech Republic ([…] reply to the Commission's questionnaire of 19 January 2009).

1061

[…]

1062

[…]

1063

[…] see further […] The participants discussed their actual and planned sales in Europe and the

reportedly low prices of Samsung.

1064

[…]

1065

[…] see further […] The parties shared information on their respective production and sales figures in

3Q and 4Q of 2004.

1066

It is uncertain whether [Philips/LGE joint venture] attended this meeting. […] that all three companies

were present while Samsung states that no representatives of [Philips/LGE joint venture] participated

[…]; see further […] The internal e–mail exchange within [Philips/LGE joint venture] suggests that

[Philips/LGE joint venture] did not intend to participate stating that this was due to Samsung and

Thomson not sticking to what had been been agreed among competitors, hence [Philips/LGE joint

venture] did not consider its participation in the three company meetings useful at that time […]. […]

states that [Philips/LGE joint venture] did not attend this meeting due to a conflict with Thomson. […]

[Philips/LGE joint venture] only refrained from attending the meetings between the three companies a

few times. This would have been the first time [Philips/LGE joint venture] did not join. […] In the

meeting, the mutual mistrust among the participants was also addressed and production plans for 2005

for Turkish, European as well as captive customers were discussed. According to […] this meeting

served as a preparatory meeting for the meeting in Paris on 8 December 2004 […]

EN 129 EN

8/12/2004

Exchange of information

1067

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

11/1/2005

Exchange of information

1068

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

MTPD

9/2/2005

Output limitation

1069

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

22/3/2005

Price fixing, output/sales

planning

1070

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

19/9/2005

Exchange of information

1071

SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

Thomson

(413) Apart from the three companies meetings, a number of bilateral meetings between

CPT producers took place in Europe where for instance future prices and sales

and production plans were discussed. Such meetings involved SDI,

[Philips/LGE joint venture], Thomson, MTPD, [CPT producers] (for further

references see […]).

(414) The competitors were in frequent contact also by other means, usually by e-

mail

1072

, which mainly served the purpose of exchanging information on future

plans of the parties, typically concerning production and sales plans (in Europe

as well as in other regions). There is evidence of such contacts involving

Thomson, MTPD, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and SDI (for further references

see […]).

(415) Furthermore, in the period from 2004 to November 2006, CPT producers met

regularly in Asia in order to discuss and agree upon prices, customer allocation,

market shares and output limitation, as well as to exchange sensitive

information regarding CPTs

1073

. The pattern of the illicit behaviour was

identical to that of the previous years in that the competitors continued to have

regular group meetings and there were also numerous ad hoc contacts. The main

multilateral forums were the SML (with SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

MTPD as participating companies) and ASEAN meetings (in which SDI,

1067

[…] In this meeting, the companies concentrated on issues of pricing and sales volumes on the Turkish

market but they also discussed production plans for 2005 for Turkish, European, as well as captive

customers.

1068

[…] Also here, the Turkish market was the main point on the agenda, however, the participants

discussed also other topics, such as the capacity utalisation plans of their production sites in Europe for

1Q 2005.

1069

[…]

1070

[…] In this meeting, the participants agreed on target prices for the Turkish market but they also

exchanged sales results for the first quarter of 2005 and planned sales for the second quarter for Europe

as well as monitored the line shut downs agreed for 1Q 2005.

1071

[…] [Philips/LGE joint venture] informed the other two companies, among other things, about its sales

goal in Europe for 2006 as well as about its estimated financial results in 2005.

1072

In some instances, it is unclear what the means of communication were. However, it is documented that

competitors had contacts aimed at illicit exchange of information. See in this respect […] e-mail

exchange in the end of 2004 with references to [Philips/LGE joint venture], Samsung and MTPD […]

1073

[Party to the proceedings] submits that the regular group meetings were suspended for the period

between March and September 2006 with the explanation that the Korean entities Samsung and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] were instructed by their respective headquarters not to participate in the

meetings […] The documentary evidence, however, shows that meetings took place also during that

period. […]

EN 130 EN

[Philips/LGE joint venture], Chunghwa, MTPD and [CPT producer]

assembled). Moreover, various ad hoc contacts among competitors in Asia are

documented in the Commission's file, typically concerning their worldwide

production and sales plans.

1074

There were also regular meeting concerning the

CPT market in mainland China, however, they are of limited relevance to the

current investigation.

(416) As in the previous years, the SML and ASEAN meetings had a specific focus on

sales in Asia or Southeast Asia. However, the discussions in these meetings

were not detached from the cartel contacts in other regions. On the contrary, the

collusive contacts in the SML and ASEAN meetings were wider and recurrently

covered other main geographic areas. The documents in the file demonstrate

that in a number of the SML and ASEAN meetings, competitors also discussed

their future prices, customer policy, as well as capacity and production plans in

other regions (namely in Europe) or worldwide (see for example Recitals (427),

(434)-(440), (443)-(446), (448)-(452)). In the SML meetings, the participants

distributed and discussed individual data covering all geographic regions

1075

and

even if a meeting did not take place, data was shared

1076

(417) Table 7 gives an overview of the most important SML and ASEAN meetings

during the period 2004-2006 that are relevant for this Decision

1077

(418) Table 7:

Date of

meeting

Type of

meeting

Type of illicit behaviour

Meeting participants

12/2/2004

SML

Price fixing, sales

planning

1078

SDI, MTPD,

[Philips/LGE joint

venture]

1074

Information exchange meetings which took place between [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD on 6

December 2004 […] information on sales, production and demand on worldwide level was exchanged),

21 February 2005 ([…] information on production capacities was discussed together with general

market trends), and 8 July 2005 […] global and regional production capacities, utilisation rates and

planning as well as demand forecasts were discussed) are examples of such type of contacts.

Additionally, an e-mail was sent to [CPT producer] distributing information discussed at the 10

November 2006 SML meeting (see for example […]). In addition, [party to the proceedings] has

submitted documents in its reply to the Commission's request for information showing that information

originating from competitors was submitted to [it] (see for example […], information relating to CRT

manufacturers' production capacity, dated November 2006, and […] containing worldwide data and

planning on sales, supply, prices, production schedule as well as demand forecast relating to CRT TV,

dated April 2005).

1075

[…]

1076

[…]

1077

There is evidence in the Commission's file about multiple anticompetitive arrangements among CPT

producers concluded during numerous Asian meetings. However, it is not always possible for the

Commission to show - with same level of clarity as for the meeting included in the present Decision -

their (geographic) scope or the participants. Therefore, and due to the fact that already a large amount of

cartel contacts is included in this Decision, such agreements and practices are not taken into account

and the Commission limits itself to referring only to anticompetitive behaviour for which participants

can be identified and the Commission's jurisdiction could be clearly established.

1078

Discussion on sales planning […]

EN 131 EN

16/2/2004

ASEAN

Price fixing

1079

CPT, [CPT producer],

[Philips/LGE joint

venture], MTPD, SDI

16/3/2004

ASEAN

Price fixing

1080

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD,

CPT, [CPT producer]

6/5/2004

SML

Price fixing, output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1081

MTPD, SDI,

[Philips/LGE joint

venture]

18/5/2004

ASEAN

Price fixing, output/sales

planning

1082

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD,

CPT, [CPT producer]

18/6/2004

ASEAN

Price fixing, output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1083

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD,

CPT, [CPT producer]

July 2004

SML

Exchange of information

1084

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

13/9/2004

SML

Price fixing, output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1085

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

3/11/2004

SML

Output/sales planning,

exchange of information

1086

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

5/11/2004

ASEAN

Price fixing

1087

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD,

CPT, [CPT producer]

10/12/2004

SML

Price fixing

1088

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

15/3/2005

SML

Price fixing output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1089

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

29/4/2005

ASEAN

Price fixing

1090

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD,

CPT, [CPT producer]

19/5/2005

SML

Output/sales planning,

exchange of information

1091

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

1079

[…] Furthermore, information on production capacities was exchanged.

1080

[…]

1081

[…]

1082

[…]

1083

[…]

1084

Exchange of information on sales forecasts […]

1085

[…]

1086

Exchange of information on production capacities and planning of future output/capacity/sales […]

1087

[…] Furthermore, information on production capacities was exchanged.

1088

[…] Furthermore, information on prices and production capacities was exchanged.

1089

[…]

1090

[…] Furthermore, information on production capacities was exchanged.

1091

Exchange of information on production capacities and planning of future output/capacity/sales […]

EN 132 EN

30/6/2005

SML

Price fixing, output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1092

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

26/9/2005

SML

Price fixing

1093

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

6/12/2005

ASEAN

Price fixing, output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1094

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD,

CPT, [CPT producer]

12/12/2005

SML

Price fixing, output/sales

planning, exchange of

information

1095

[Philips/LGE joint

venture]

13/3/2006

SML

Output/sales planning,

exchange of information

1096

[Philips/LGE joint

venture]

31/3/2006

SML

Output/sales planning,

exchange of information

1097

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

12/6/2006

SML

Output/sales planning

1098

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

10/11/2006

SML

Output/sales planning,

exchange of information

1099

SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture], MTPD

Most important meetings and arrangements reached in the period 2004 - 2006

(419) The contents of the contacts among competitors during the last phase of the cartel

are well documented by contemporaneous evidence in the Commission's file.

(420) On 9 January 2004, Samsung SDI, Thomson and [Philips/LGE joint venture] met

in Amsterdam. The meeting participants discussed the agreed sales quantities

and compared them to actual customer orders. Moreover, Thomson and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] complained that SDI offered prices in Europe that

were too low: "They protested that Samsung had taken customers of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson through a lower pricing [in Europe]

than in Turkey, violating the proposal to extend the price cooperation into the

European market. SDI argued that the company had agreed a price cooperation

for the market of Turkey only; SDI had made no agreement with [Philips/LGE

joint venture] and Thomson over any price cooperation for the other European

markets while the two had agreed to a price cooperation for the other European

markets when they met in early Nov."

1100

(421) This meeting report shows that Samsung was trying to downplay the arrangements

reached in the meetings on 21 November (see Recitals (401)-(402)) and 4

December 2003 (see Recital (407)). However, despite the arguments raised by

[party to the proceedings']it transpires from the documentary evidence related to

1092

[…]

1093

[…] Furthermore, information on sales forecasts and production capacities was exchanged.

1094

[…]

1095

[…]

1096

[…]

1097

[…]

1098

[…]

1099

[…]

1100

[…] See further the meeting in November 2003 described in Recitals (401)-(402).

EN 133 EN

those two meetings that Samsung indeed was party to a price fixing

arrangement which covered the whole European CPT market.

(422) MTPD also participated actively in the price fixing arrangements in Europe during

the last phase of the cartel

1101

. On 26 January 2004, MTPD met with SDI in

Germany. Besides exchanging information on their future production plans

1102

the competitors agreed on prices for the customer Philips and discussed pricing

for the customers Toshiba and JVC. Concerning the customer Toshiba, MTPDG

explained to SDI that it had no contact with Toshiba since this customer would

be contacted by the Japanese headquarters of MTPD and that MTPDG does not

have control over the price quotes made from Japan. Overall, the meeting report

shows that the parties colluded on price and supply strategy concerning supplies

to individual customers (Philips, Toshiba and JVC).

1103

(423) Concerning [party to the proceedings']

1104

arguments regarding the meeting of 26

January, raised in its reply to the Statement of Objections, the Commission

points out that minutes of the meeting indicate that the total production of

Philips was estimated to be "700K" of which [Philips/LGE joint venture] was

supposed to supply "500K" and the remaining "200K" was to be competed for

between MTPD, Thomson and SDI. In the meeting, MTPD and SDI agreed to

cooperate "to win" Thomson. MTPD and SDI compared their prices in this

respect (MTPDG EUR 235, SDI EUR 230). Moreover, although the meeting

report shows certain animosity on the part of MTPD towards [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and Thomson, the reason MTPD gave in the meeting was "because

information is not believable", but there is no indication that MTPD would have

withdrawn from the collusion. MTPD disclosed its information to Samsung and

carried out the collusive discussion with Samsung.

(424) On 16 February 2004, another European CPT producers' meeting between SDI,

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson was held in Amsterdam and the

participants discussed how to control oversupply in Europe

1105

. The meeting

report also contains an overview of demand and supply in Europe in 2003 as

well as corresponding demand and supply planning for Europe for 2004

concerning 28" CPTs. Parties devised a common plan to jointly reduce supply

so that it would match the overall demand forecast in 2004 and set out plans

regarding how a supply reduction could be achieved. They set up detailed sales

adjustment plans per participant.

(425) The document shows how the participants made arrangements concerning output

limitation in Europe. First, they assessed the supply and discussed demand

forecast for a given product and time period (here 28" CPTs in 2004) and they

calculated the figure by which supply would likely exceed demand. Then, in a

second step, they compared their respective production plans for that time

period (as well as the plans of further competitors not present in the meeting,

1101

Concerning MTPD's involvement in the collusive agreements concerning Europe, see also Recitals

(438)-(439), (442) and (444)-(446).

1102

[…]

1103

[…] Samsung and MTPD further discussed possibilities to cooperate with regard to the customers JVC

and Beco/Vestel. […]

1104

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1105

[…]

EN 134 EN

such as MTPD) and attempted to readjust these production plans so as to meet

the estimated demand accurately. New production figures were the result of the

discussion. In this case, [Philips/LGE joint venture] accepted the downward

adjustment for 28" CPTs

1106

, SDI and Thomson representatives in the meeting

expressed the wish to get feedback from their senior management on the final

plan.

(426) In the Commission's view, the evidence related to the two meetings on 26 January

and 16 February 2004 proves not only that Samsung, Thomson and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] endeavoured to agree upon production limitation

1107

but it also confirms the involvement of MTPD in the collusive arrangements.

The production figures of MTPD disclosed to SDI in the course of the meeting

on 26 January 2004 were communicated to Thomson and [Philips/LGE joint

venture] by SDI on 16 February 2004. Furthermore, the meeting report of 26

January 2004 clearly shows that there was a price fixing arrangement between

SDI and MTPD at least for the customer Philips and that the companies

expressed their intention to come to an arrangement concerning the prices for

the customers Toshiba and JVC in the second quarter of 2004. Contrary to

[parties to the proceedings'] arguments

1108

raised in their replies to the Statement

of Objections, the meeting therefore concerned also the EEA.

(427) In the meantime, there is evidence of three meetings that took place in Asia. In the

SML meeting on 12 February 2004

1109

, the participants discussed the expected

CPT worldwide demand, the planned production figures, as well as

[Philips/LGE joint venture's] intention to close its plant in Germany and they set

the price guidelines for the 2Q.

1110

On 16 February and 16 March 2004, two

ASEAN meetings took place. The related meeting reports show that price

discussions and price fixing arrangements in the Asian meetings during the last

period of the cartel were not limited to sales in Asia.

(428) In the meeting of 16 February 2004, MTPD, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture],

CPT and [CPT producer] discussed capacity per producer and development of

demand at world wide level. They noted that with the forthcoming Olympic and

Europan Cup events the market "should remain prosperous", the production

lines were operating in full capacity and in particular in Europe there had been

some closure of 14" CPT production lines which impacted demand and supply

balance

1111

As a result, all companies shared the view that it was time to

increase prices, and with reference to their previous meeting in November 2003

(see Recital (400)), they agreed to increase prices for 14", 20" and 21" CPTs by

at least USD 1.0. The table attached to [a party's to the proceedings] meeting

report compares first prices per producer for the customers Sharp, World, Funai,

Thomson, Sanyo, SREC, JVC and Vestel (for Vestel, only 14" CPTs were

1106

A similar discussion concerning 32'' CPTs took place in the same meeting […]

1107

Expressly at least for the 28" and 32" CPTs.

1108

[…] replies to the Statement of Objections […]

1109

[…]

1110

For 15", 21", 28", 29", 32" and 34" CPTs […]

1111

[…]

EN 135 EN

referred to) and thereafter presents in another table a price increase of USD 1

per CPT size (without any reference to individual customers).

1112

(429) The implementation of the price increase was closely monitored during the

meeting of 16 March 2004. [Another party's to the proceedings] report from this

meeting clearly shows that the scope of this price fixing arrangement was not

limited to Asia but extended also to Europe. The participants reviewed the

world-wide situation on implementation of the agreed price increase. […]

[M]eeting report notes in this context that "Japan, Europe and U.S. customers

are the most difficult for price increase" and adds that they and [CPT producer]

had been rapid in completing the price negotiations while MTPD, SDI ad

[Philips/LGE joint venture] have started to take action only at the beginning of

March."

1113

(430) Concerning [parties to the proceedings']

1114

arguments in their reply to the

Statement of Objections in connection with the meeting of 16 March 2004, it is

noted that Europe was an integral part of the meeting discussion. Unlike [parties

to the proceedings] claim, reference to Europe in the minutes is not a general

description of customers' reaction to price increases, but it refers to concrete,

specific customers that are named in the minutes of the meeting. Contrary to

[parties to the proceedings']

1115

arguments, […][evidence] do[es] not confirm

that the reference in the meeting report to "Japan, Europe and U.S.customers"

would refer exclusively to Sharp, WET, Funai, Thomson, Sanyo and JVC who

are listed later on in the report. This also disproves [party to the proceedings']

claim that […] [the] report of a meeting of 21 March 2004 allegedly confirms

that the term "Europe" was used to describe Asian companies affiliated with

European companies. The report of the meeting of 21 March 2004 has no

connection with [party to the proceedings'] claim and does not mention the word

"Europe". Moreover, the companies listed in the minutes of the meeting are not

all based in Asia. Contrary to [party to the proceedings'] argument, Thomson for

example did not report to the Commission any entity located in Thailand. [party

to the proceedings' argument]

1116

that Thomson's entity mentioned at this

meeting was in China is not supported by the minutes of the meeting. Finally, in

response to [party to the proceedings'] arguments the Comission notes that two

of the meetings cited in Recitals (427) to (429) – 16 February 2004 and 16

March 2004 – are to be assessed together.

1112

[…] CPT had noted that for the 14" increase SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] said that they would

need to report to their headquarters for approval to see if the agreed price increase could be confirmed.

MTPD had noted, however, that "CPT, [CPT producer] and [Philips/LGE joint venture] are affirmative

to increase prices" and that only SDI needed to consult with Korean headquarters and that MTPD

would "syncronize with others".

1113

[…] Chunghwa met [CPT producer] in a follow-up bilateral meeting on 3 March 2004 […] and the

possibility for [CPT producer] to also increase prices was discussed. Further, Chunghwa met the

customer Thomson on 17 or 18 March 2004 […] and, according to the meeting report, Thomson

accepted a price increase regarding 14" CPTs. The meeting report also refers to the fact that,

simultaneously with the changes of prices in Asia, Thomson reviewed its prices for 20", 21" and 29

CPTs which Chunghwa considered a potential business opportunity.

1114

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1115

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1116

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 136 EN

(431) On 7 April 2004, a meeting was held in Budapest in which at least SDI and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] participated.

1117

On top of a discussion on

production (including plans for 2004), the situation on the European CPT

market was discussed in great detail. The presentation relating to the meeting

contains also a slide entitled "How to survive in Europe" which lists the

following measures:

 "Reduce imported tube

– Anti-Dumping tax for imported tube

– Stop import from Mexico ([Philips/LGE joint venture] /Thomson/SDD →

Especially 29"/32"WF

 Avoid price competition

– Quality/Service competition in the market

– Limited quantity to special market/Keep certain level of price.

 Respect each company's captive market

– 28" 4:3 / Large DF / Jumbo DF → Allocation for each company

 Common use of key components (E-Gun/Mask/DY/Metal)

– Technical collaboration for raw material

– Exchange courtesy visit to each factory (Bench Marking)

– Establish hot-line among Top management"

1118

(432) This presentation shows the general willingness of SDI and [Philips/LGE joint

venture] to continue their collusive arrangement in order to maintain their

positions on the CPT market in Europe, the main features in the attainment of

that goal being suppression of price competition, reducing or stopping imports

of larger- dimension CPTs and customer allocation for larger-dimension CPTs.

Handwritten notes of an SDI participant also show that parties would have made

reference to the "mutual understanding" reached in the November 2003 meeting

regarding an arrangement to maintain the price higher than in Turkey (see

Recitals (401)-(402))

1119

(433) During the meeting on 3 June 2004, SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

Thomson discussed stock levels and planned output reductions and imports to

Europe.

1120

(434) Similarly, in the SML meeting on 6 May 2004 all major geographic regions were

discussed by the participants as well as worldwide sales results and plans. In

addition, price guidelines for the third quarter 2004 were agreed

1121

1117

[…]

1118

[…] the illicit character of the meeting is further evidenced by the handwritten notes of the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] representative in the meeting – see the words "protect price level" and

"avoid price competition" […]

1119

[…]

1120

[…]

1121

[…] The CPT demand was discussed in a similar manner also in the ASEAN meetings on 22 July 2004

[…] and on 3 November 2004 […]

EN 137 EN

1122

(435) In the ASEAN meeting which took place on 18 June 2004, worldwide capacity

status and output planning per producer as well as [Philips/LGE joint venture's]

planned shut down in Spain were discussed. The contemporaneous documentary

evidence also shows that the competitors were well aware of the impacts that

changes of production capacities in one region would have on the global CPT

market:

"-14" capacity status worldwide by biz: 3,200K/M in total

SDI(M)

SDI(B)

[…]

CPT(M)

[…]

400

120

280

350

220

540

220

MTPD

[…]

100

220

120

160

120

300

(436) In another report from the same meeting the following excerpt illustrates the

competitors' awareness of the impacts: "It appears demand and supply for 14-

inch CRTs will continue to be balanced through next year because of a

reduction in Chunghwa's production capacity of 14-inch CPTs ([Philips/LGE

joint venture] Spain will completely shut down in 2005, cutting its production

capacity in 2005 to zero from its planned production in 2004 of approximately

2.3 million units)."

1123

(437) The importance of import capacities and price interconnections between Europe

and Asia becomes even clearer in light of the discussion during the ASEAN

meeting on 5 November 2004. The participants set new price guidelines for

small and middle sized CPTs

1124

and, when doing so, they referred to the

situation in China and Europe: "Participants indicated for 14”, [Underlined by

hand] [CPT producers], etc. are already asking for ITC Usd 19.0 and Bare Usd

18.0 levels [Underlined by hand]; China’s sale prices for 21”FS such as [CPT

producer], are already lower than Usd 38.0, the likelihood for SDI Hungary to

drop to around Euro 33.0 is very high; For 29”PF, it almost can be confirmed that

[CPT producer]’s Q1 price is ITC Usd 87.0. √ [Underlined and check marked by

1122

[…] Discussions on worldwide capacities and sales forecasts continued to be a constant feature of the

SML meeting throughout the last period of the cartel, as is further evidenced by the meeting reports of

18 May […] and 10 December 2004, […] on 15 March […], 30 June […] and 26 September 2005 […],

on 31 March […], 12 June […] and 10 November 2006 […]. Similar discussions also took place in

numerous bilateral meetings such as the one between Samsung and [CPT producer] in the beginning of

May 2004 […] or between Samsung and MTPD on 19 April 2006 […].

1123

[…] Participants also followed-up on the price guidelines for 3Q agreed on 23 April and 18 May 2004.

1124

USD 19 for 14", USD 33,5 for 20", USD 34.0 for 21"FS, USD 43.50 for 21"PF (Invar) and USD 41.0

for 22"PF (A/K).

EN 138 EN

hand]."

1125

Concerning [party to the proceedings']

1126

arguments raised in its

reply to the Statement of Objections it is noted that, as the situation in China

and Europe was discussed in preparation for the agreement reached in the

meeting on price guidelines, this appears to have formed basis for the price

guideline agreement.

(438) Concerning the large sized CPTs, the situation that occurred already in the

previous year repeated (see Recital (403)-(405) concerning the arrangement of

November 2003). As appears from two of the multiple meeting reports

concerning the SML meeting on 10 December 2004, Samsung, [Philips/LGE

joint venture] and MTPD discussed their sales planning for the the first quarter

of 2005 and they agreed on price guidelines for the customers Mitsubishi,

Funai, Sharp, JVC and Sanyo for 21" and 29" CPTs. Moreover, they also

reached an arrangement on 32" CPT prices which was expressly meant for

Europe.

1127

(439) In one meeting report, it reads: "M[TPD] Co. is the main cause of the price

collapse, as is exemplified by it taking the offensive with low prices for 21-inch

tubes for Funai and in Turkey, Europe. For instance, there was information

suggesting that 155 (E) was being offered for 32PWF in Turkey."

1128

A parallel

meeting report contains the following passage: "Sales are maintained in the

markets of the Americas, but there are difficulties in the European market. In

particular, SDI expresses discontent with the low 32 WSRF prices of MTPD.

The market prices are confused by the low prices especially for the Turkish

market."

1129

Finally, a specific guideline for 32" CPTs for the first half of 2005

in Europe was agreed: "32WSRF: MTPD – ITC (+12$), Europe: '05Q1: €170,

'05Q2: €165".

1130

(440) The meeting reports concerning the meeting on 10 December 2004 illustrate that

regions other than Asia were discussed in Asian meetings and, more

importantly, that the participants in the SML meetings also expressly made

arrangements regarding prices for large sized CPTs for Europe in the same

manner as in November 2003.

(441) In the beginning of 2005, the three main producers in Europe (SDI, [Philips/LGE

joint venture] and Thomson) continued their anticompetitive behaviour by

explicitly agreeing on output limitation in the meeting on 9 February 2005

1131

Besides discussing Turkey exhaustively, the participants also discussed their

respective production plans per size for the first quarter of 2005, planned sales

per quarter for 2005 for Europe (and monitored sales per quarter in 2004) and

agreed on the number of days their production lines in Europe would be

closed.

1132

1125

[…]

1126

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1127

[…] denies that any such agreement was reached and submits that its prices for 32" CPTs were almost

invariably below or above those of [Philips/LGE joint venture] […]

1128

[…]

1129

[…]

1130

[…]

1131

[…]

1132

[…]

EN 139 EN

(442) The situation in Europe was also on the agenda of the SML meeting on 15 March

2005. Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD reviewed the market

situation in the main geographic regions as follows: "In Southeast Asia and

China, the sale of small products is maintained to some extent, but the sale of

medium sized products decreases conspicuously. As the European market is in

recession and Thomson gives a serious reduction in price to Turkish

counterparts, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and SDI have difficulties, especially

SDI Germany and a factory in Hungary. → SDI proposes the exchange of

detailed data on the factories in Europe and the operation of a separate council

for the European market."

1133

This excerpt from the contemporaneous meeting

report demonstrates that in 2005 the participants in the SML meetings continued

following the development concerning the large sized CPTs in Europe and that

they were considering tightening up the coordination concerning Europe by

exchanging more detailed information with each other. Concerning [parties to

the proceedigs']

1134

arguments in their replies to the Statement of Objections, it

is noted that from the context of the proposal made by Samsung in the meeting

that a "separate council" was supposed to be created especially to deal with the

recession, which called for special measures, and not in order to start a new

cartel on a new market. Moreover, the meeting report shows that the parties

exchanged production line information (including in relation to Europe),

discussed sales results – world wide and globally for flat and for large and

jumbo sized CPTs and made world wide sales reviews and forecasts (2004 and

the first and second quarter for 2005) for various CPT sizes (ranging from 10"

to 38" CPTs). Europe was the subject of discussion on the expected results in

the first quarter of 2005. In addition, they agreed on price guidelines in general

and per customer.

(443) As for the small sized CPTs, the report of the ASEAN meeting on 29 April 2005

shows that prices in specific regions, such as China or Europe, had influence on

CPT prices elsewhere (Asia) and, consequently China and Europe, had to be

discussed in the meeting: "Difficulties expected in maintaining the price due to

the inventory held by Funai. A slight price decrease seems inevitable taking into

account the export price of 14" to China/Europe."

1135

Concerning [party to the

proceedigs']

1136

arguments raised in its reply to the Statement of Objections, it is

noted that in the minutes of the meeting specific reference is made to "export

prices" to China and Europe which necessitated a reaction to pricing in Asia.

The influence of pricing in other regions is further demonstrated by reference to

the European market where prices went down because of growing imports from

Brazil. Furthermore, in the ASEAN meeting on 6 December 2005, competitors

informed each other about the status and plans for their respective production

sites in Europe, the United States of America and Asia.

1137

(444) The idea of exchanging more detailed information about Europe raised on 15

March 2005 (see Recital (442)) was taken up in the next SML meeting which

1133

[…] There is no evidence in the Commission's file that the separate council of Samsung, MTPD and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] for Europe was ever formally set up. […]

1134

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […] and […] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1135

[…]

1136

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1137

[…]

EN 140 EN

took place on 30 June 2005. The meeting minutes taken by MTPD show

detailed discussion on production, sales and pricing strategies of [Philips/LGE

joint venture], Samsung and Thomson by location. The meeting minutes note

that the information concerning Thomson had been received from Samsung and

[Philips/LGE joint venture].

1138

(445) This report shows not only the level of detail of the discussions (concerning sales

planning, capacity utilization and capacity planning), but it also demonstrates

the communication flow between producers of large sized CPTs during the last

period of the cartel. While Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson

had regular meetings in Europe during which they agreed on prices and output

limitation (see for example meetings discussed in Recitals (420), (424), (433),

(441)), MTPD, for its part, participated directly in some meetings in Europe (see

for example Recital (422)) while additional price fixing arrangements

concerning Europe were concluded in SML meetings (see for example Recital

(439)) which, at the same time, provided a platform for the exchange of

information about the situation in Europe (see Recitals (434), (442), (444)).

Contrary to [party to the proceedings']

1139

suggestion in its reply to the

Statement of Objections that during this meeting the operations in Europe were

discussed "briefly" and were limited to discussion of the operating rate of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's] Czech plant, sales forecast for 14'' and 32''PFW

Slim and business in relation to Turkey, it is clear from the meeting report that

the participants discussed the production and sales strategies by location,

including for example the capacity of Samsung's plants in Hungary and

Germany and the possibility of future closure of Samsung's factory in Germany.

(446) In the SML meeting which took place on 26 September 2005, competitors

reviewed their sales results in 2004 and sales estimates for 2005 in all main

geographic regions including Europe and discussed (again, on a regional basis)

prices to be charged for 29'' and 32'' Vixlim CPTs. For Europe, the prices of

EUR 93 (29'' CPT) and EUR 183 (32'' CPT) were proposed.

1140

Contrary to

[party to the proceedigs']

1141

arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections,

the minutes of this meeting show that SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

MTPD shared their production figures from 2004 and individual plans for 2005

and that they made these comparisons on a world-wide level, also including

Europe.

(447) Before the SML meeting of 26 September 2005, Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and Thomson had met in Amsterdam on 19 September 2005. Besides

discussing the Turkish market, they also aligned their positions in Europe and

discussed in detail [Philips/LGE joint venture's] production, sales, import plans

and customers.

1142

(448) A similar discussion on production capacity plans occurred during the ASEAN

meeting on 6 December 2005. The participants informed each other about their

planned production in all major geographic regions (by individual production

1138

[…]

1139

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1140

[…]

1141

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1142

[…]

EN 141 EN

sites) and they further discussed the price trends as well as agreeing on price

guidelines for the first quarter of 2006. The meeting report also contains a

section entitled "Price trends" where, concerning Europe, it is noted that each

company increased 21" CPT price in Europe, noting that Samsung increased the

price for 21" CPTs (produced in Hungary) by EUR 5 from September to

December. Also, Samsung's middle sized tubes operating rate in Hungary was

noted to be very high. In comparison the participants noted that prices for Asian

and Japanese TV manufacturers had decreased.

1143

(449) In the SML meeting which took place on 12 December 2005, the participants

opened a discussion aimed at reaching an arrangement about the percentage of a

maximum price decrease of CPTs in 2006. The meeting report shows Samsung

having suggested production limitations in order to limit price reductions, while

[Philips/LGE joint venture] accepted that, while this plan may work in the

European and United States markets, its effectiveness would be limited in Asia

and China due to companies such as Chunghwa,[CPT producers].

1144

(450) This report conclusively demonstrates the supra-regional character of the meeting.

Competitors discussed how to possibly prevent prices from dropping by limiting

production and chances of success for such a strategy were considered for

Europe, USA and Asia.

1145

(451) On 12 June 2006, Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD met in an

SML meeting and discussed their respective capacities and production plans in

Europe, Asia and Mexico.

1146

(452) Contrary to [party to the proceedings']

1147

arguments in its reply to the Statement

of Objections, very detailed discussions regarding Europe took place during this

meeting, including discussions on parties' production plans. The meeting report

demonstrates that the participants in the SML meeting continued their illicit

contacts in which they discussed their worldwide capacities and production

plans. The meeting of 12 June 2006 is the last SML meeting for which there are

meeting reports in the Commission's file.

1148

(453) In the meeting between SDI and [Philips/LGE joint venture] which took place on

15 November 2006 in the Czech Republic, participants reviewed their sales per

dimension in 2006 and coordinated their sales plans for 2007 for large sized

CPTs (20", 21", 28", 29", 32" CPTs).

1149

1143

[…]

1144

[…]

1145

[…] denies that the reference to Europe was a proposal to reduce production also in Europe. […]

submits that it was merely a preface to [Philips/LGE joint venture's] rejection of Samsung's proposal for

the Asian market […]. In response to this argument, also repeated in […] reply to the Statement of

Objections […] it is noted that the meeting minutes does not support its view that reference to Europe

was merely a preface to Asia-related discussion, but it appears that the companies considered the market

situation as a whole and on a worldwide level.

1146

[…] underlined in the original document.

1147

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1148

However, there is some evidence in the Commission's file that the SML meetings and related contacts

continued also in the second half of the year (see for example the SML meeting on 10 November 2006

[…] and in the beginning of 2007 (see […] internal e-mail sent on 2 February 2007, […]).

1149

[…]

EN 142 EN

(454) In conclusion, the available evidence shows that SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

and Thomson continued to have bilateral and trilateral meetings in Europe at

least until November 2005 (the last documented trilateral meeting took place on

19 September 2005) in which they fixed prices and market shares, agreed on

output limitation and exchanged sensitive CPT related information (concerning

production and sales planning, imports amongst other things).

(455) However, bilateral meetings between competitors in Europe continued at least

until November 2006. Simultaneously, at least until 10 November 2006,

Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD met regularly in the SML

meetings in which they fixed prices for large size CPTs (including prices in

Europe), discussed output limitation and sales plans, and exchanged

commercially sensitive information. Smaller CPT dimensions were the subject

of discussions in the ASEAN meetings in which Chunghwa, Samsung,

[Philips/LGE joint venture], MTPD and [CPT producer] fixed prices and

exchanged commercially sensitive information (on prices, sales planning and/or

planned output and capacity etc.) until as late as 6 December 2005.

4.3.4. Assessment of parties' arguments on facts

(456) In their replies to the Statement of Objections, several addressees raise various

arguments concerning the facts of the case. Most of such arguments concerned

the CPT cartel. While arguments relating to individual meetings concerning the

CPT cartel are analysed in connection with the respective meetings in Section

4.3.3 above, the arguments related to the single and continuous infringement,

the issue of the duration and, ultimately, the fines setting are dealt with in

Sections 5.2.2.2, 7 and 8.4, respectively.

(457) The more general arguments on facts raised by [parties to the proceedings], in

particular those concerning the product and geographic scope of the cartels, are

addressed in this Section both for the CDT and the CPT cartel.

4.3.4.1. Product scope of the CDT and CPT cartels

Parties' arguments

(458) [Parties to the proceedings] claim that the collusive meetings and discussions with

regard to CDTs were limited to screen sizes between 14" and 19". [Party to the

proceedings] refrains from going into more detail with reference to the fact that

it had […] sales of larger size CDT in the EEA.

1150

[Party to the proceedings]

argues that not even the Statement of Objections suggests that the cartel would

have concerned 20” or 21” CDTs or that the price gap between these sizes and

the other sizes (from 14” to 19”) would have been the subject of discussion

between the participants.

1151

(459) [Party to the proceedings] makes the following arguments regarding the product

scope of the CPT cartel: (i) not all CPT sizes and types were part of the CPT

anticompetitive arrangements, (ii) the CPT sizes and types that were the object

of the arrangements were affected for different time periods and different

durations, and (iii) the seriousness of antitrust violations varied quite

significantly from one affected size and type to another. In this context, [party to

1150

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1151

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 143 EN

the proceedings] submits an overview of CPT cartel meetings which, according

to it, referred to Europe and gives its interpretation as to whether for various

CPT sizes hard-core infringement was committed or whether there was

exchange of commercially sensitive information only

1152

. According to [party to

the proceedings], the Statement of Objections would have highlighted that the

cartel arrangements focused on certain types and sizes. To this end [party to the

proceedings] points to several paragraphs from the Statement of Objections in

relation to both the CPT cartel and the CDT cartel as examples illustrating this

(namely paragraphs 91, 100, 110, 126, 199, 273, 280 and 310), but does not

substantiate further its product scope arguments regarding the CDT cartel.

According to [party to the proceedings], during the early years the focus of the

CPT cartel was on 14'' CPTs and that during the middle and later period the

focus was on 20'', 21'', 29'' and 32'' CPTs

1153

(460) [Party to the proceedings] argues that until April 2002 the CPT meetings in Asia

concerned only specific CPT sizes, namely 14'', 20'' and occasionally 21'' round

CPTs, and that it did not sell those sizes to customers in the EU during this

period. Concerning the meetings in Asia since 2002 [party to the proceedings]

submits that in SML meetings only high-end CPTs (medium, large and jumbo

sized flat CPTs) were discussed and in ASEAN meetings price guidelines only

for low-end CPT's (small sizes) were agreed upon (according to [party to the

proceedings] not sold to Europe due to high tariffs).

1154

[Party to the

proceedings] argues that it never sold the small and medium sized products to

Europe.

1155

(461) [Party to the proceedings] submits that large size CPT's should be excluded from

the CPT cartel for the period prior to February 2003. It argues that as

discussions on large-size CPTs – meaning CPTs exceeding 21" – only started

with the emergence of the SML meetings from the meeting of 10 February

2003.

1156

Assessment of parties' arguments

(462) As already pointed out in the Statement of Objections, and as is evident from the

paragraphs cited by [party to the proceedings] in its reply to the Statement of

Objections

1157

, more detailed discussions in some meetings were focused on

specific sizes in relation to certain arrangements, but there was an overall

scheme that the parties followed whereby the parties discussed and colluded on

their future behaviour regarding pricing, production, capacities and sales for the

CDTs and CPTs overall in the respective cartels. This is shown by the evidence

both on the cartel meetings and on the exchanges of sensitive information

throughout the duration of the cartels covering all product sizes.

(463) The gradual shift of the focus from smaller to larger size CDTs and CPTs in the

cartel arrangements is a consequence of the general market development of the

1152

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1153

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections.

1154

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1155

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1156

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1157

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 144 EN

CDT and CPT industry (see Recitals (140), (156), (322)) (the cartel members

never excluded specific CDT/CPT sizes or types from the collusion). Such a

shift in the focus did not, however, mean that smaller sizes were no longer part

of the collusion in later years, or that larger sizes were not part of the collusion

in earlier years.

(464) Concerning CDTs, the evidence shows that as early as the beginning of 1997

large-sized CDTs had been the subject of discussions between the

participants.

1158

While small- and medium-sized tubes may have been the focus

of the CDT cartel arrangements, nonetheless large-sized tubes have been subject

to anticompetitive arrangements throughout the entire duration of the cartel.

1159

The illicit arrangements also evolved along the lines of market development and

the focus of the CDT sizes shifted accordingly over the years (see Recital

(140)). Besides, the CDT producers entered into price, market sharing and

output limitation arrangements which were not limited to specific CDT sizes but

applied generally (see for example Recitals (223), (234) and (243)).

(465) Concerning CPTs, the parties continued their cartel discussions regularly relating

to small sizes also in the later years of the cartel and also in the SML meetings.

The following CPT cartel meetings and contacts illustrate this: 5 November

2004 where 14" worldwide capacity status was discussed (Recital (435)); 19

September 2005 where sales per dimension for various medium and large size

CPTs were discussed (Recitals (412) and (454)); 6 December 2002 where small

size CPTs were discussed (Recital (384)); 10 February 2003 where small and

medium sized CPTs were discussed (Recital (387)-(388)

1160

)); 28 November

2003 where also smaller size CPTs were discussed (Recitals (403)-(405)); 25

October 2004 where all sizes were discussed (see […]); 15 March 2005 where

all sizes were discussed (Recital (442)).

(466) Equally, contrary to [party to the proceedings'] submission, the larger sized CPTs

(sizes over 21") were part of the CPT cartel also prior to February 2003. In

addition to being included in the exchanges of information on parties' future

intentions, the following examples of CPT cartel meetings illustrate that the

earlier CPT cartel meetings covered also larger sized CPTs: the meeting of 29

December 1997 concerning world wide sales planning for all sizes (Recital

(261)); the meeting of 24 March 1999 discussing supply and demand for larger

sizes ([…]); the meeting of 25 March 1999 concerning prices and production of

various sizes of CPTs up to 29" (Recitals (275)-(276)); the meeting of 11

November 1999 where Samsung's production plans for 2000 were discussed for

various sizes and types between 20" and 29" (Recitals (294)-(299)); the

meetings and contacts of 14 and 24 February 2000, 16 November 2000 and 3

1158

See MEI's production target on 20"/21" CDTs for 1997 referred to in the meeting between Chunghwa

and MEI on 9 January 1997 […]

1159

See for example the minutes of the meetings of 13 May 1998 […]; 28 June 1999 […]; 10 November

1999 […]; 23 March 2000 […]; 2 May 2000 […]; 19 March 2001 […];19 April 2001 […]; 1 October

2001 […]; 26 February 2002 […]; 22 April 2002 […]; 1 August 2002 […]; 20 November 2002 […]; 20

January 2003 […]; 24 September 2003; 15 November 2004 […]; 28 September 2005 […]

1160

This meeting report also shows, like various other documents that when the parties colluded on their

future output plans and market shares they often used the code-word "forecast". See for example the

meeting report on […] and […] argument that no agreement was reached at this meeting […] reply to

the Statement of Objections […]

EN 145 EN

May 2001 between Samsung and Thomson concerning production planning for

small, medium and large tubes ([…]); the meeting of 26 October 2001 in which

there was discussion on production capacity for various sizes and types of CPT

from 14" to 34" (Recital (365)); the meeting of 12 November 2001 between SDI

and [Philips/LGE joint venture] fixing prices for various sizes and types from

20" to 32" (Recital (367)).

(467) As for the ASEAN meetings, a typical example of the nature of those meetings is

the meeting on 5 November 2004 in which the participants discussed prices for

29" CPTs (see Recital (437)). This confirms that ASEAN meetings were not

exclusively limited to small CPT sizes.

(468) As for [party to the proceedings'] arguments, it is also noted that those are

contradicted by its own […], where it […] [is] pointed [out] to "CDT product"

and "CPT product" and stated that the anticompetitive activity covered both

CDTs used in computer monitors and CPTs used in colour television. Therefore,

[party to the proceedings] itself also indicated […] that the cartels concerned

CDTs and CPTs in general.

1161

In addition, [party to the proceedings] stated

itself […] that the "participants exchanged production and capacity figures and

as slim, super large and other new types of tubes were developed, trends for

these models were also discussed"

1162

, therefore supporting the conclusion on

the product scope of both the CDT and CPT cartels covering all sizes and types.

(469) Finally, concerning [party to the proceedings'] arguments relating to its sales to

Europe, it is noted that in the reply to the Statement of Objections [party to the

proceedings] contradicts its own reply to the Commission requests for

information according to which [party to the proceedings] had sales of the

products sizes it now contests to the EEA during the infringement period until

shortly after the establishment of the joint venture MTPD. In its reply to the

requests for information [party to the proceedings] explained that such sales in

the EEA were carried out via its European subsidiary [legal entity], which was

an exclusive distributor of [party to the proceedings] in the EEA. [Legal entity]

itself did not produce any CPTs but sourced them from other [party to the

proceedings'] entities.

1163

Moreover, in its reply to the Statement of Objections,

[party to the proceedings] declares its own sales of 14" CPTs to an Italian

customer, Mivar in 2003.

1164

Similarly, [party to the proceedings] claims that

during the cartel it had hardly any 14" CPT sales in Europe.

1165

As explained

above, the cartel arrangements covered all product sizes and types.

(470) In summary, while the specific focus of the cartels shifted in time from smaller to

larger sizes due to market developments, the cartel meetings and contacts

encompassed CDT's and CPT's irrespective of sizes and types. Both cartels

involved illicit arrangements, discussions and exchanges (on worldwide or

global scale) about future behaviour regarding sales, capacities, production,

demand, supply and pricing across product sizes and types. These types of

1161

[…]

1162

[…]

1163

[…] reply to a request for information.

1164

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1165

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 146 EN

arrangements and discussions continued throughout all of the three periods of

the infringements outlined in this Decision.

4.3.4.2. Geographic scope of the CPT cartel

(471) Several parties have submitted a variety of arguments regarding the geographic

scope of the infringement, in particular relating to the connection between the

cartel contacts that took place in Asia and those that took place in Europe.

Connection between the Asian and European cartel contacts

Parties' arguments

(472) [Party to the proceedings] argues that the Commission should disregard any

general finding regarding a connection between the cartel contacts held in Asia

and those that occurred in Europe, and that the Commission should limit itself

to those arrangements with respect to which the extent of its jurisdiction can be

established, namely to specific arrangements relating to particular CPT sizes

and types as well as specific time periods that would have produced effects in

the EEA

1166

(473) [Party to the proceedings] further submits

1167

that it "does not deny that

participants in Asian CPT meetings sometimes entered into pricing

arrangements and production/capacity reduction arrangements concerning

certain types of specific CPT sizes in relation to Europe" and that "European

participants occasionally considered Asian and Chinese CPT prices".

According to [party to the proceedings], pricing arrangements in relation to

Europe were a more regular feature of the Asian meetings during the early years

of the cartel.

1168

Concerning the finding in the Statement of Objections that

capacity reductions concluded in the Asian cartel contacts would have

facilitated the price increase efforts in Europe , [party to the proceedings]

submits that where there were such concrete discussions they mostly related to

certain CPT sizes in line with efforts to control prices in Europe

1169

(474) [Party to the proceedings] also submitted a number of detailed arguments

regarding the interconnection between the cartel contacts in Asia and in Europe.

Regarding individual meetings, [party to the proceedings] claims that no

relation to Europe could be established for the meetings that occurred on the

following dates due to lack of proof on pricing interconnection

1170

: 8 September

1998, 26 September 1998, 12 November 1999, 28 November 2003, 16 March

2004 and 29 April 2005. Moreover, it claims that no production or capacity

interconnection

1171

between Europe and Asia could be established in relation to

the meetings that occurred on the following dates: 27 October 1999, 11 and 12

November 1999, 24 July 2003, 18 June 2004 and 5 November 2004. Such

arguments relating to individual meetings are addressed in Section 4.3.3. The

analysis in Section 4.3.3 shows that in general the meetings contested by [party

to the proceedings] concerned the EEA and that, contrary to what [party to the

1166

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1167

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections.

1168

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections.

1169

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections.

1170

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1171

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 147 EN

proceedings] claims regarding several meetings, the discussions regarding

Europe were not limited but were an integral part of the collusive behaviour.

(475) [Party to the proceedings] also argues that [another party to the proceedings] has

overstated the Asia-Europe connection […]. According to [party to the

proceedings], this is also because [the other party to the proceedings']

understanding of the European meetings was limited and […] relatively limited

evidence in relation to the European arrangements. According to [party to the

proceedings], [antoher party to the proceedings] would have a powerful self-

interest in accentuating the Asia-Europe connection to ensure that the

Commission addresses both arrangements together.

1172

(476) [Party to the proceedings] claims that by following the chronological order of the

contacts the Statement of Objections ignored four allegedly separate patterns of

behaviour: (i) Asian Glass Meetings

1173

, (ii) SML Meetings

1174

, (iii) ASEAN

Meetings

1175

and (iv) EU Glass Meetings

1176

. Of these four allegedly separate

arrangements, [party to the proceedings] claims to have only participated in the

SML and ASEAN meetings before the creation of MTPD

1177

. [Party to the

proceedings] reiterates that the arrangements were regional in nature and

focused on Asia only

1178

. [Party to the proceedings] claims that […] Europe was

expressly excluded from Asian Glass meetings because the participants in those

meetings could not control prices and volumes

1179

(477) Similarly to [party to the proceedings], [party to the proceedings] argues that the

[…] would confirm that the CPT cartel was regional in nature. [Party to the

proceedings] also argues that it did not participate in multilateral meetings and

that the core players did not involve [party to the proceedings] in the cartel

arrangements in Europe where, according to [party to the proceedings], it was

just a fringe player

1180

Assessment of parties' arguments

(478) While the CPT cartel discussions were taking place both in Europe and in Asia,

there was no separation between geographic areas in terms of discussions that

1172

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1173

Held, according to […] between September 1998 and April 2002 by Chunghwa, Samsung, [CPT

producer], LGE and [CPT producer] and focusing on 14", 20" and 21" CPTs in Asia only. […] claims

not to have been party to this arrangement.

1174

[…] admits to its participation in five of the meetings []. […] submits that SML meetings focused on

prices of high-end CRTs for Asian (mainly Japanese and Korean) customers only and prices only. […]

reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1175

ASEAN meetings occurred, according to […], in autumn 2002 and the participating parties were

Chunghwa, Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture], [CPT producer] and [CPT producer] […]. The

meetings allegedly focused on South East Asia, and later also on Turkey, only price guidelines for low-

end CRTs were agreed upon, no market sharing or output limitation arrangement were made. […]

admits that […] participated in four meetings before the creation of MTPD. […] reply to the Statement

of Objections […].

1176

The EU Glass Meetings occurred, according to […], from November 1999 to September 2005 by the

European manufacturers Philips, Thomson, Samsung, Chunghwa, LGE and [CPT producer]. […]

submits that it was not party to this arrangement. […] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1177

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1178

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1179

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1180

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 148 EN

took place and arrangements that were made. It should be recalled that the first

CPT meetings for which the Commission has evidence took place in Asia and

that initially both CDT and CPT were discussed in same cartel meetings

1181

Multilateral "CPT glass meetings" that were distinct from the CDT meetings

emerged gradually and since autum 1998 such meetings appear to have been

firmly established. All these earlier contacts were initially carried out between

Asian companies and took place in Asia. The CPT cartel became more and

more intense and the years 1998-1999 show that the Asian companies worked to

expand the circle of cartel members to include all main Asian producers and

also European producers. Thereafter there gradually emerges evidence

regarding cartel meetings also being held in Europe.

(479) There is consistent evidence on participation of two European companies, Philips

and Thomson, since around the launch of the anti-dumping action in Europe

against 14" CPTs in 1999 and since then there is also consistent evidence on

cartel meetings being held in Europe. The first multilateral meeting held in

Europe regarding which the Commission has evidence was held on 2 October

1999 (see Recital (288)) and it appears from the minutes of the multilateral

meeting of 21 September 1999 held in Taiwan that this meeting in Europe was

held as a result of Samsung having called for more intense cooperation (see

Recital (287)). Following the 21 September 1999 meeting there is also

consistent evidence regarding Philips' participation. At that meeting it was

agreed that Philips would attend working level meetings (held in Asia at that

stage). [Party to the proceedings] has explained that Philips posed a problem for

the CPT producers because its factories were located in Europe and Brazil in the

beginning and it had no senior executives in Asia. Namely, the meetings appear

to have been steered by such senior representatives based in Asia

1182

. Later on

Philips also attended top level meetings held in Asia (from at least 25 November

1999, see Recital (302)). The evidence that the Commission has on Thomson's

participation shows that initially it participated via bilateral contacts, the first

documented cartel meeting being a bilateral meeting with Samsung (see Recital

(275)), but that it also attended multilateral meetings in Europe and top

meetings that were held in Asia

1183

(480) As already explained in Recital (129) certain multilateral meetings in Europe were

held as dinner or bar discussions before and after the official meetings […] and

the participants openly discussed detailed capacity and price information, timing

and planning of production stops and loading rates. In addition, there is

evidence of anticompetitive discussions even in […] . It appears that the first of

1181

Since the CPT cartel meeting of 3 December 1997, which is referred to for the purposes of this Decision

as the first CPT meeting in which a documented cartel arrangement was reached, there is still evidence

on CPT and CDT being discussed in same multilateral cartel meetings. See for example for the first

cartel period the meetings of 29 December 1997 […], 14 July 1998, 2 September 1998 […], 14 April

1999 […], 1 June 1999 […], 22 August 1999 […], 13 September 1999 […], 9 November 1999 […], 20

March 2001 […] and 19 April 2001 […] At the meeting of 7-8 September 1998, it was decided to again

combine CPT meetings with CDT meetings on temporary basis […]. It is noteworthy that the report

from the meeting of 7-8 September 1998 notes that an explanations of the capacity reduction formula

used for CPT "was submitted at CDT meeting at the end of July".

1182

[…]

1183

[…]

EN 149 EN

such meetings was held on 26 March 1999

1184

(see Recitals (249),(506))

between Philips, Thomson, MEI, [CPT producers] and Samsung and on 16

April 1999

1185

(see Recitals (249),(256), (506)) between Samsung, [CPT

producer], MEI, [CPT producer], Thomson and Philips. Minutes of the 16 April

1999 meeting start with the following brief about the 26 March meeting in

which future output plans of the participants were discussed: "Working Group

had a meeting on Mar. 26 in Brussels and exchanged the forecasts of the each

company. The first meeting was successful however, the Group found the big

differences of their datas. The problem Philips found was each members of […]

are planning to produce more than they reported according to the datas which

the members provided." The participants concluded that the discrepances would

"be corrected through the next meetings" and they agreed to hold working

group meetings "at least every quarters". Samsung suggested "submitting the

datas by the sizewise in order to avoid the misunderstanding of the capacities"

and the "Head of the working group agreed to make the more detailed datas". In

the meeting Philips concluded that "if European CPT makers produced as they

planned, there would be a serious surplus of CPT in 1999". Furthermore, the

members agreed to invite "LG Wales" and "Chunghwa Scotland" to join the

meetings. The meeting of 26 October 2001 (see Recitals (365)) provides further

evidence regarding cartel contacts in the context of the […] meetings.

Chunghwa was already attending the meeting of 26 October 2001 and in that

meeting Thomson made a call for restraining price competition and cooperation

to deal with an expected economic downturn.

(481) Hence, from this sequence of development of the CPT cartel it appears that the

European cartel meeting emerged as an extension to the cartel meetings in Asia.

The extension of CPT cartel meetings from Asia to be held in Europe too also

coincides with the discussions at the cartel meetings on maintaining the price

gap between Asia and Europe, which appears to have been a particular concern

for the Asian companies so that their imports from Asia would not harm their

own production in Europe and their attempts to reach higher prices in Europe.

(482) It should also be noted that the CPT cartel had both top level meetings and lower

level meetings. The top meetings were normally held in Asia (attended by

[senior management] of the participating companies whereas lower level

meetings (management and working level meetings) were held both in Asia and

since 2 October 1999 in Europe. If there were matters that could not be resolved

in the lower level meetings these were brought to the top level meetings (see

Recitals (129)-(131))

1186

(483) Both CDT and CPT cartels followed the same pattern of discussions and, in

particular, in the cartel meetings at world wide level the parties covered the

assessment of the supply and demand situation including production plans of

individual participants and thereafter entered into discussions on measures to be

taken to address oversupply at world level and what prices should be aimed at.

The evidence in the file shows that the cartels involved global discussions and

1184

[…]

1185

[…]

1186

[…] According to […] top meetings existed at least until 2002. There is evidence on continuation of

such meetings also thereafter (see for example Recital (397), footnote 1047).

EN  150    EN 
concertations and thus were worldwide in scope. It must be noted that, unlike 
for CPT, parties have not contested the fact that the geographic scope of the 
CDT cartel was world-wide.  
(484)  Another period of intensification of the cartel contacts occured around 2002-2003 
when the meetings held in Asia changed their form and instead of one group of 
Asian meetings two sets of Asian meetings were being held – SML meetings 
and  ASEAN  meetings  (see  Recitals  (127)-(128)  and  Recital  (416)).  Those 
meetings also served as a forum to collude on a global level, including Europe. 
It is noteworthy that in an SML meeting that was held on 15 March 2005 – in 
the  same  way  as  multilater  meetings  in  Europe  were  initiated  in  1999  – 
intensification of cartel contacts concerning Europe was discussed in an SML 
meeting held in Asia (see Recital (442)). The fact that such intensification was 
implemented is demonstrated by the SML meeting minutes of 30 June 2005 (see 
Recital (444)-(445)). 
(485)  While the documentary evidence does not describe any joint central organisation 
for  the  cartel  meetings  (except  for  the  connection  between  the  lowere  level, 
including working level, and the top level meetings), the overview of evidence 
in  Section  4.3.3  shows  that  there  is  consistent  evidence  of  the  connection 
between the European and Asian cartel contacts in the CPT cartel which shows 
that the various meetings and other cartel contacts (multilateral and bilateral, top 
and  working  level,  in  Asia  and  Europe)  were  part  of  one  single  enterprise. 
Arrangements concerning EU/EEA were made in meetings that took place both 
in Europe and in Asia and arrangements and discussions concerning Asia were 
concluded  in  meetings  in  Europe.  The  parties  were  also  monitoring  those 
arrangements  during  and  in  between  subsequent  meetings.  For  concrete 
illustrative examples of meetings see the following Recitals: for the early period 
of  the  CPT  cartel  see  Recitals  (251)-(254);  for  meetings  during  the  middle 
period, see Recital (321); and for the meetings of the last phase, see Recitals 
(408)-(412)  and  (426).  The  multilateral  meetings  were  not  isolated  but  were 
supplemented  by  bilateral  contacts  and  information  exchanges  and  elaborate 
information  exchanges  across  the  world  took  place  between  the  competitors 
during the whole duration of the cartel. 
(486)  The connection between EEA and Asia appears in several interrelated ways in the 
cartel contacts, as is illustrated by the following: 
  In  meetings  which  primarily  focused  on  certain  regions  other  regions  were 
addressed as well and often the discussions  and exchanges were global.  For 
example, while the focus of the Asian meetings was often on the markets in 
Asia,  there  were  a  significant  number  of  meetings  in  Asia  where  the 
participants  concluded  agreements  or  concerted  explicitly  about  the  EEA, 
discussed  and  analysed  the  worldwide  market,  discussed  and  exchanged 
detailed  information  on  future  global  supply  and  demand,  or  exchanged 
information regarding or agreed on production and sales quantities world wide. 
When  colluding  on  supply  (output  and  sales  volumes)  the  parties  in  their 
discussion  and  exchanges  recurrently  covered  the  whole  world.  See  for 
example  the  meetings  which  occurred  on  the  following  dates:  3  December 
1997 (Recital (259)), 16 December 1997 (Recital (261)), 16 July 1998 (Recital 
(263)), 7-8 September 1998 (Recitals (264)-(270)), 26 September 1998 (Recital 
(271)-(272)),  24  November  1998  (Recital  (273)),  7  March  1999  (Recital 
(274)),  15  April  1999  (Recital  (277)),  11  November  1999  (Recitals  (294)-

EN  151    EN 
(299)), 25 November 1999 (Recital (302)), 26 November 1999 (Recital (293)), 
24 January 2000 (Recitals (329)-(330)), 21 June 2000 (Recital (344)), 13 July 
2000  (Recital  (345)),  21  September  and  25  October  2000  (Recitals  (350)-
(354)), 20 November 2001 (Recital (368)), 17 October 2002 (Recital (382)), 6 
December 2002 (Recital (384)), 10 February 2003 (Recitals (387)-(388)), 24 
July  2003  (Recitals  (395)-(396)),  5  September  2003  (Recital  (398)),  28 
November 2003 (Recitals (403)-(405), 12 February 2004 (rectial (427)), 6 May 
2004 (Recital (434)), 18 June 2004 (Recital (435), 26 September 2005 (Recital 
(446)), 6 December 2005 (Recital (448), 12 June 2006 (Recitals (451)-(452)). 
  The parties often concerted or agreed on price increases, price targets or price 
guidelines covering also other geographic regions or on world wide basis and 
discussed,  compared  and  concerted  on  pricing  to  individual  customers  in 
Europe (in Asian meetings too) and compared the prices in Europe and Asia. 
Prices in Europe were frequently monitored in relation to the Southeast Asian 
pricing, the parties aimed to "keep the reasonable price gap" (see for example 
the  meeting  of  23  August  1999,  Recital  (251))  between  the  same  products 
marketed in Europe and Asia and endeavoured to increase the European price 
(see for example the  meetings of  27 October 1999 and  11 November  1999, 
Recital (301); meetings of 21 September and 25 October 2000, Recitals (350)-
(354);  the  meeting of  28  November  2003,  Recital  (403);  the  meeting  of  10 
December  2004,  Recital  (440);  the  meeting  of  12  December  2005,  Recital 
(449)).  In  Asian  meetings  parties  also  discussed  and  concerted  on  capacity 
reductions that would facilitate the price increase efforts of the cartelists in the 
EEA  and  set  worldwide  target  market  shares  and  supply  quotas  (see  for 
example  the  meeting  of  27 October  1999,  Recitals  (290)  and  (291)  and the 
meeting of 10 February 2003, Recitals (387)-(388)). Prices in different regions 
were used as references to agree on pricing for another region (see for example 
Recital (374)). 
  In the European meetings the price level in Asia and imports from Asia were 
also scrutinised, import strategy was concerted,  prices and price increases in 
Asia were discussed and prices were fixed for both Europe and Asia (see for 
example the meeting of 30 October 2000, Recital (355); the meeting of 25-26 
January  2001,  Recital  (362);  the  meeting  of  21  June  2002,  Recitals  (378)-
(379); the meeting of 7 April 2004, Recital (431); 3 June 2004, Recital (433); 
29 April 2005 (Recital (443))). 
  Parties were well aware of the impact of prodcution capacity changes in and 
imports to one region on the global CPT market and discussed what action was 
to  be  taken  (see  for  example  Recitals  (435)-(437)).  There  is  evidence  that 
capacity reductions in Asia facilitated the price increase efforts of the cartel in 
Europe  and  that  the  cooperation  of  Asian  producers  (for  example  output 
reductions and import levels) was seen as essential for the fixing of prices in 
Europe (see for example Recitals (290), (291), (301)). 
  There  is  also  evidence  regarding  the  impact  of  the  changes  in  production 
capacity in one geographic region on the global CPT market (see for example 
Recitals (435), (437), (444)-(445)) and regarding the impact of the world wide 
capacity situation on price increases covering various regions (see for example 
Recital (374)). 

EN 152 EN

(487) The conclusion of the Commission regarding the geographic scope of the cartel

arrangements is based on the assessment of the documentary evidence (which is

substantial and coherent) in combination with […]. In the present case there is a

particularly large amount of documentary evidence originating from the time

period of the infringement.

(488) When depicting the CPT cartel as consisting of four separate infringements, [party

to the proceedings] selectively quotes from some [evidence] ignoring other

[evidence]

1187

. Even the [evidence] that [party to the proceedings] did choose to

quote do not confirm [party to the proceedings'] assertion that Europe was

excluded from discussions in the Asian meetings

1188

. They rather show the

contrary. [Evidence] may serve as an example. [Party to the proceedings], to

support its argument about separate cartels in Europe and Asia, quotes the

following […]: “the scope of the discussions taking place in CPT meetings in

Asia were limited to Asian matters. . . . there was no agreement in Asia relating

to prices on CPTs in Europe”

1189

. However, the entire sentence reads as

follows: "As previously mentioned, the scope of the discussions taking place in

CPT meetings in Asia were limited to Asian matters. There were occasionally

conversations that touched upon other regional markets, such as the European

market. There was also some limited exchange of market intelligence

concerning the situation in Europe, but there was no agreement in Asia relating

to prices on CPTs in Europe."

1190

(489) Concerning [party to the proceedings'] argument that [another party to the

proceedings] would have overstated the Asia-Europe connection, it is first noted

that, as pointed out in Recital (487), the Commission based its assessment on a

combination of documentary evidence (originating bothfrom inspections and

from a number of leniency applicants) and […] of leniency applicants, not

solely on […] of any single leniency applicant. Second, [party to the

proceedings'] assertion does not take into account the [evidence] as a whole. For

example, [party to the proceedings] refers to […] [early evidence],

1191

which

was made before [the other party to the proceedings] had interviewed all

relevant employees. [Party to the proceedings] ignores the fact that [the other

party to the proceedings] complemented its [...] [evidence]later in the

proceedings with additional [evidence] . [Party to the proceedings] also refers to

[one single piece of evidence] and argues that [the other party to the

proceedings] had limited knowledge of European meetings because it only had

evidence of such meetings until 2002. However, the evidence up until 2002

already confirms the connection between European and Asian cartel contacts

and the cartel contacts (covering amongst other regions the EEA) are also well

documented thereafter.

(490) In conclusion, the evidence in the file shows that the cartel was wider in scope

than regional, involving global discussions and covering thus both Asia and

1187

See for example […] in which the Europe-Asia link is described in detail.

1188

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1189

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1190

[…]

1191

[…] in its response to the Statement of Objections ([…] reply to the Statement of Objections […])

refers to the sentence […] according to which […] understanding at the time of the statement of the

meetings in Europe was limited.

EN 153 EN

Europe. The evidence also shows that Asian and European arrangements and

contacts in the CPT business did not exist in isolation but were interconnected

and formed part of one overall global scheme within which the parties fixed

prices, allocated market shares and restricted output. The parties concluded a

number of arrangements in the CPT cartel that together show that the European

and Asian cartel contacts were in furtherance of the same anticompetitive plan.

Early years: participation of LGE, Toshiba and Panasonic and start of cartel discussions

concerning Europe

Parties' arguments

(491) LGE submits

1192

that the CPT cartel started as an Asian infringement and it was

only since September 1999, when the European producers Philips and Thomson

joined in, that the infringement also covered Europe.

(492) Toshiba submits that Europe was not discussed in the Asian Glass meetings until

late 1999. Toshiba claims that the language of the meeting reports originating

from August/September 1999 shows that there was no price control mechanism

for Europe in place.

1193

Toshiba submits that once the European meetings

started in October 1999, it was not participating and not considered by the

participants as a candidate to be invited

1194

. Toshiba submits that up until spring

2002 references to Europe in the subsequent Asian meetings were limited to

references to what had been agreed in Europe or, at most, to aspirations of how

European prices might develop and the evidence shows that pricing decisions

for Europe were clearly taken in Europe

1195

(493) Toshiba claims that it actively refused to participate in the Asian Glass meetings,

that it was not present

1196

and that it was even referred to by other CPT

producers as a threat

1197

. Toshiba also submits that it actively undermined the

effort of the Asian Glass meetings participants

1198

. Furthermore, Toshiba argues

that contrary to the conclusions of the Statement of Objections, there is no

"ample evidence" of Toshiba's participation

1199

but that the evidence is scattered

and not sufficient to establish that Toshiba participated in Asian or EU Glass

meetings. Toshiba argues that the evidence is only about sporadic, bilateral, ad

hoc meetings which did not follow any pattern and that the contacts were mere

exchanges of current market trends

1200

(494) Panasonic claims that it did not participate in any multilateral meetings in Europe

or Asia

1201

. Panasonic further submits that there is no evidence of its

1192

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1193

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1194

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1195

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1196

[…] argues that there is a gap between December 1997 and October 1999 and claims that the Statement

of Objections would acknowledge Toshiba's absence between these dates. […] reply to the Statement of

Objections […]

1197

[…] refers to the report of the meeting on 8 September 1998. […] reply to the Statement of Objections

[…]

1198

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1199

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1200

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1201

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 154 EN

cooperation through Toshiba in the middle period and argues that there is no

evidence that in the same period Panasonic would cooperate by means of

participating in bilateral contacts

1202

(495) Samsung claims that the European meetings were established independently from

the Asian arrangements. To support this argument [party to the proceedings]

submits that European CPT producers were meeting bilaterally and

multilaterally prior to the period when the Commission considers that the

European arrangement was set up and the purpose would have been to address

local customers.

1203

Assessment of parties' arguments

(496) Contrary to what LGE, Toshiba and Panasonic argue, the cartel was wider in

scope and covered both Europe and Asia during the periods they respectively

contest, arrangements often being made and collusive exchanges held at

worldwide level. There is clear evidence regarding their participation in such

cartel contacts between CPT producers. Since the meeting of 3 December 1997

there is consistent evidence regarding LGE's participation, for Panasonic

coherent evidence is available at least since the meeting of 15 July 1999 and for

Toshiba at least since the meeting of 16 May 2000. Samsung with its comments

argues for extension of the duration of the infringement for other parties, such

as Philips. Samsung's comments do not, however, change the assessment on

duration as summarised in Recital (247) based on a coherent body of evidence.

In particular, the minutes of the multilateral meeting of 21 September 1999

show that in that meeting Samsung called for more intense cooperation in

Europe (see Recital (287)) and, indeed, following that meeting there is ample

evidence on such intensifying of the cartel.

(497) Concerning the participation of Toshiba and Panasonic, which separate individual

pieces of evidence of the cartel conduct and put forward arguments against each

piece of evidence separately, it is noted that, in line with the established case

law, the evidence of participation in a cartel must be assessed in its entirety,

taking into account all relevant circumstances of fact

1204

. There is precise and

1202

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1203

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […] confirms that bilateral and multilateral meetings between

competitors in Europe were already occurring well before the meeting of 21 September 1999 held in

Taiwan. […] [A party] has also provided the Commission with evidence of a European multilateral

meeting occurring prior to the call in Asia for meetings in Europe. This would be the multilateral

meeting on 14 March 1999 between SDI, Philips, Chunghwa and [CPT producer] where the participants

specifically addressed 14" and 20" CPTs and exchanged information and discussed supplies and prices

to European customers. This meeting was not, however, included in the summary of meetings that […]

[combined], at the Commission's request, references to translations and original documents. […]

[E]vidence of many other bilateral and multilateral meetings or contacts in Europe prior to the Asian

meeting on 21 September 1999 referring in any case to meetings during the period when it has been

found that at least Thomson was involved in the cartel (it referes to the meeting of 10 March 1999, 25

March 1999, 30 March 1999 (would appear to be in March 2000), 12 April 1999, 25 May 1999, 12 June

1999, 15 July 1999 and 16 July 1999). Some of these meetings […] were already included in the

Statement of Objections, while for some others […] [they] were not very clear […] [and] the meeting

notes were from an unknown author and the meeting dates or places were unclear).

1204

Case T-337/94, Enso-Gutzeit OY v Commission, [1998] ECR II-1571, paragraph 1, Joned Cases T-

109/02, T-118/02, T-122/02, T-125/02, T-126/02, T-128/02, T-129/02, T-132/02 and T-136/02, Bolloré

and Others v Commission, [2007] ECR II-947, paragraph 155; see also the Opinion of Advocate

EN 155 EN

consistent evidence regarding their participation in the CPT cartel that is

described in Section 4.3.3. It is important to emphasise that it is not necessary

for every item of evidence produced by the Commission to satisfy the criteria of

proof in relation to every aspect of the infringement; it is sufficient if the body

of evidence relied on by the Commission, viewed as a whole is sufficiently

precise and consistent

1205

. In particular, the Court has found that an individual

meeting can be used as evidence, even when for that meeting there is no

concrete proof of its content, when that meeting occurs in the context of

meetings being part of a system of regular meetings of which anticompetitive

character is sufficiently proven

1206

(498) First, both Toshiba and Panasonic had chosen to participate in the cartel via

bilateral contacts, while LGE also attended multilateral meetings. Toshiba and

Panasonic where kept involved in and informed about the outcome of the

multilateral meetings arrangements via the bilateral cartel contacts. […] have

confirmed that apart from this the Japanese companies' position in the cartel was

the same as that of other cartel members and that they shared the same

understanding on the cartel (see further […] in Recitals (549)-(552) below). It

was Toshiba's and Panasonic's strategic choice to collude with competitors

mostly via bilateral meetings and contacts and to participate in the cartel in such

a way (see also the assessment in Recitals (542)-(550) below).

(499) Second, […]various leniency applicants, in addition to being consistent with other

applicants […] are consistent with the documents in the file. This evidence also

shows that, contrary to their arguments in reply to the Statement of Objections,

both Toshiba and Panasonic were aware of the scope of the overall cartel

behaviour which included also multilateral meetings while they were

themselves mainly participating via bilateral contacts.

(500) Concerning Toshiba, there is evidence (for the indirect evidence see also Recitals

(273)-(274)) regarding Toshiba's contacts during the early years of the CPT

cartel (see Section 4.3.3) which is also consistent with leniency applicants' […]

(see Recital (498)) confirming that Toshiba preferred to be involved in the cartel

via bilateral contacts.

(501) The evidence regarding [party to proceedings] participation is referred to, in

particular, in the following Recitals: (248)-(249), (258)-(260), (279)-(280),

(303)-(304), (312)-(314), (374)-(375), (377), (381)-(382), (384), (385) and

(387)-(388)). This evidence shows that [party to proceedings] had

anticompetitive contacts as early as during the first cartel period (see Recitals

(248)-(249)).

(502) As explained […], Toshiba's representative explained reasons for the difficulties

that Toshiba had in participating in the multilateral meetings due to antitrust

concerns and therefore proposed as a solution to have bilateral meetings in a

General in Case T-1/89 Rhône-Poulenc v Commission, [1991] ECR II-867, II-869 – joint Opinion in the

Polypropylene judgments.

1205

Joined Cases T-109/02, T-118/02, T-122/02, T-125/02, T-126/02, T-128/02, T-129/02, T-132/02 and T-

136/02, Bolloré, para. 155, and Joined Cases T-67/00, T-68/00, T-71/00 and T-78/00, JFE Engineering

v Commission [2004] ECR II-2501, paras. 179 and 180. See also Case T-348/08, Aragonesas Industrias

y Energía v Commission, para. 96.

1206

Case T-235/07, Bavaria v Commission, para. 211.

EN 156 EN

different format than centralised multilateral meetings. Although in this specific

meeting CDTs were discussed, Toshiba's representatives' statement disproves

Toshiba's arguments […] and, on the contrary, shows an overall strategy of the

company concerning participation in collusive contacts concerning CRTs. First,

this statement was made in a cartel meeting by a [manager] of Toshiba who was

involved in a decision making process within the company for many years for

CRTs, which shows that this act was a part of the company's strategy and not

any random declaration.

1207

Second, this meeting was held in at a time when

CDT and CPT were still being discussed during the same meetings and by the

same attendees before the cartel contacts for the two CRT products started to be

consistently held separately. In the early years there is in particular evidence

regarding other cartel members reporting in the cartel meetings on Toshiba's

commercially sensitive information and discussing their efforts to involve

Toshiba in the cartel particularly in the context of the following cartel contacts

(see for example Recitals (264)-(270), (273), (274), (278)-(279). While there is

evidence that Toshiba was aware of the multilateral meeings in the early

years

1208

, [CPT producer] […]. Toshiba was a minority shareholder of [CPT

producer] (see Recital (926)). The first direct evidence of a cartel contact since

which there is consistent evidence on regular involvement of Toshiba in the

cartel behaviour dates from 16 May 2000 (see Recital (314)), which was a

bilateral cartel contact. As of 12 April 2002 Toshiba was also actively

participating in multirateral contacts (see Recitals (374)-(375)). In this meeting

the participants agreed to continuously cooperate, to have a meeting every two

months, to keep the price or raise it in the third quarter and agreed on a price

guideline for the third quarter (with few exceptions for specific companies and

customers). Between 16 May 2000 and the multilateral meeting of 11 April

2002, there is evidence on Toshiba's participation through bilateral contacts with

Philips, SDI and Thomson. The evidence regarding Toshiba's participation is

referred to, in particular, in the following Recitals: (303)-(304), (312)-(314),

(374)-(375), (377), (384), and (387)-(388)). Therefore, the Commission

concludes that 16 May 2000 is the starting date of Toshiba's involvement in the

CPT cartel.

(503) As for the bilateral contacts between Toshiba and its competitors between 2000

and 2003 (prior to the transfer of the business to the joint venture MTPD)

1209

, it

is noted that they were part of the overall cartel arrangements. […] [T]he aim of

these meetings was to fix prices, allocate market shares and restrict output.

These bilateral contacts recurrently covered the world wide geographic scope

just like the overall CPT cartel arrangements, reflecting the scope of the

business, and in that context contain also explicit references to the EEA. The

discussions during these meetings related to future plans and intentions at world

wide level. See for example discussion regarding future production during the

meeting of 16 May 2000 and the contact of 7 September 2001 (see Recitals

(314) and (313)). In the overall context, the bilateral meetings in which Toshiba

participated before there is evidence on its participation in the multilateral

meetings, had anticompetitive character taking into account the topics and the

1207

[…]

1208

See Recital (287).

1209

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 157 EN

details discussed. There is also evidence that […] shows that […] [Toshiba] had

an active role in the cartel (see the discussions referred to in Recitals (387)-

(388). As for Panasonic's cartel contacts between 1999 and 2003 (prior to

transfer of the business to the joint venture MTPD), the evidence on the

Commission's file shows that they were an integral part of the overall cartel

arrangements, that Panasonic was informed about the multilateral meetings

during these bilateral meetings and that it knew or should have known that it

participated in a wider cartel. The evidence on Panasonic's participation is

referred to, in particular, in the following Recitals: (248)-(249), (282)-(284),

(304), (315)-(319), (344), (374)-(375), (387)-(388)).

(504) […] [A]rguments that the cartel meetings and exchanges in which […]

[Panasonic] was involved were legitimate and encompassed only very general

or publicly available information are contradicted by the evidence on these

contacts which shows that Panasonic was participating in the collusion at least

from the meeting on 15 July 1999 where it was decided to create "more of

collaboration than competition" (see Recital (282)). For example, during the

discussion at the meeting of 19 May 2000 Philips and MEI agreed "to focus on

profitability, not volume" and discussed their plans until 2004 at world wide

level, covering main geographic regions such as the EEA (see Recital (316)).

They also agreed to regularly have this kind of exchanges. Also other bilateral

contacts of Panasonic during the period 1999-2003 were world wide in scope

and the EEA was also explicitly discussed during theses contacts. See for

example the discussions during the meeting of 2 October 2000 on planned

production in Germany, and during the meeting of 12 December 2000 the

discussions on 2001 line expansion plans, profitability, global market shares,

operating days of SDI's Berlin plant, SDI business strategy (both referred to in

Recital (316))

1210

. The fact that the bilateral meetings did not exist in separation

from the multilateral meetings and overall cartel arrangements is also confirmed

by specific references to the multilateral meetings that were made during two-

party meetings. For example, during the above-referred meeting of 12

December 2000 there is a reference to an "industry" meeting that will be held

towards the end of December or in January where the following would be on

agenda: "CPT: focus on small and medium size tubes". This refers to a wider

cartel arrangement and shows that Panasonic was aware of the wider

discussions.

(505) Regarding […] knowledge of the cartel arrangements overall it is noted that MEI's

anticompetitive contacts with competitors that were referenced in the Statement

of Objections confirm that it must have been aware of the broader context of

cartel arrangements as the examples below show (see Recitals (506)-(507)). The

bilateral contacts mirrored the multilateral meetings and during the bilateral

contacts explicit reference was often made to the multilateral meetings or to

cartel arrangements involving other cartel members. Also, the documentary

evidence shows that MEI had bilateral contacts of the same nature with several

competitiors, including Chunghwa and Samsung.

(506) Leniency applicants confirm participation of Panasonic in the cartel contacts as

early as 1996 ([…]) and there is documentary evidence on such contacts from at

1210

[…]

EN 158 EN

least 1997. For example, in the meeting of 23 May 1997 between Chunghwa

and MEI, where they reviewed production and prices for both CPT and CDT,

and in this context discussed the CRT cartel behaviour overall with MEI

"expressing much willingness to communicate with nearby CRT makers

[Chunghwa, Samsung and Toshiba]" while also expressing its concern

regarding cheap production from China (indicating that Chinese production was

outside the cartel behaviour) (see Recital (249)). Another example are the […]

meetings of 26 March 1999 and 16 April 1999 (meeting minutes show that the

latter was attended by Philips, Thomson, MEI, [CPT producer], [CPT producer]

and Samsung) which show detailed discussions on future production plans per

producer (per size: small, medium, large, VLS) and on the anti-dumping duty on

CPT (see Recital (249) and (480)).

(507) In 1999 most of the contacts that MEI had with its competitors were following-up

on the "5 companies meeting" of 15 April 1999 where parties concluded on

world wide level on supply and prices (see Recitals (277)-(284) et seq.). With

reference to this meeting [party to the proceedings]

1211

has stated that MEI (now

Panasonic) was aware of the discussions between the five companies and that it

did not join the multilateral meetings, but that [party to the proceedings] had

several bilateral meetings with MEI. Also [party to the proceedings]

1212

has

confirmed that the Japanese companies' participation was via bilateral meetings,

but that otherwise they had the same position as other cartel members. The next

bilateral meeting between Samsung and MEI, for which the Commission has

evidence, took place on 6 September 1999 (see Recital (283)). In that meeting

world wide production and price plans were discussed and Samsung informed

MEI of its' production plans and also those of other companies as follows:

"Reduce CPT lines and increase CDTs (mainly small tubes) (reduce 14" CPTs)

There might be a shortage of 14" tubes. Other companies are also switching to

CDT." This is consistent with the minutes fo the multilateral meeting of 15

April 1999 where it was noted that some makers were changing their

productions lines and that this would impact in particular the small and middle

size tubes providing an opportunity for a price increase in the third quarter. On 7

and 14 September 1999 MEI had meetings with Chunghwa (see Recital (284)).

According to the meeting report of 7 September 1999 prepared by […], the

purpose of the meeting was to inform MEI of "the price increase situation" and

the "situation of current price increase" was "explained fully" to MEI. The

"current price increase" clearly refers to the increase agreed on 15 April 1999.

Chunghwa also informed MEI that all 20'' supplying makers were "very tight",

so MEI should be able to adjust its prices in good time. MEI confirmed it would

start raising 20" price in October and confirmed this in the meeting of 14

September 1999 (see Recital (284)). The meeting of 14 September 1999 also

refers to an aim to "increase the mutual understanding and make a more healthy

industry" which further indicates that Chunghwa and MEI were discussing this

in view of the overall collusion in the industry. Moreover, in the notes from the

meeting of 2 November 1999 between Samsung and MEI (see Recital(283)),

Samsung's representative noted that a question had been raised whether MEI

would participate in "5 Companies meeting" and that MEI would "need to

1211

[…]

1212

[…]

EN 159 EN

contact HQ" to conclude on that. These factors indicated that MEI was aware of

the multilateral meetings and of the overall extent of the cartel.

(508) Further, the bilateral contacts in which Panasonic participated were frequent and

encompassed communication of and discussions on future, sensitive and

confidential plans of individual companies and as such affects competition.

There is also evidence that Panasonic agreed to participate through Toshiba (see

for example Recital (375)). The fact that Panasonic and Toshiba (or [CPT

producer]) had further contacts is also confirmed in the minutes of the meeting

of MEI and Samsung at some point in 2002 (see Recital (317)) where

Panasonic's employee drafting the report noted the question that he wanted to

ask [CPT producer] in connection with information he received from Samsung:

"Have you got this kind of feelings in the sales of 14'' CPTs? They are slightly

different from what I have felt. If you have any opinions, please feel free to

contact me"

1213

(509) Regarding multilateral cartel contacts, since April 2002 there is also consistent

evidence of Toshiba's participation in the following multilateral meetings: 12

April 2002 (see Recital(374)), 27 May 2002 (see Recital (377)) and 10 February

2003 (see Recital (387)). Regarding Panasonic's argument that it did not

participate in multilateral meetings in the first and second period of the cartel it

is noted that the multilateral meetings were not isolated but operated in parallel

with bilateral contacts in which Panasonic participated.

(510) Moreover, [party to the proceedings] submits that the Statement of Objections

ignores exculpatory evidence such as) "dozens of" meeting reports from the

time-period between October 1999 and February 2003 allegedly showing that

Toshiba was not part of the illicit scheme, neither in the Asian nor in the EU

Glass meetings, complaints about Toshiba's competitiveness and references to

Toshiba as a company outside the cartel in the meeting on 20 March 2001,

references to lack of coordination with Toshiba in the meeting of 20 March

2002

1214

. With reference to the initial period of the cartel, [party to the

proceedings] claims that even if the Statement of Objections was correct on all

points, the EU market was not affected.

1215

(511) The documents that [party to the proceedings] has singled out need to be assessed

in the context of the totality of the evidence. Such analysis shows that other

cartel members were making efforts to involve Toshiba as early as 1999 and in

particular [CPT producer] was engaged with this (see Recital (279)) while there

were sometimes doubts whether the coordination with Toshiba would succeed.

At least since the meeting of 16 May 2000 between Toshiba and Philips there is

consistent evidence on Toshiba's involvement in the cartel. […] [E]vidence

shows that […] [Toshiba] had an active role in the cartel (see for example

Recitals (387)-(388)). Moreover, […] arguments regarding individual cartel

events are not supported by the documents. For example the report of the

meeting on 20 March 2001 contains the following remark: "Due to TSB's

aggressive strategy at grabbing market share, all makers asked [CPT producer]

1213

[…]

1214

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1215

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 160 EN

to continue info exchange with TSB which must not further grab orders"

(evidence regarding the meeting of 20 March 2001 is referred to in Recital

(363)). Rather than demonstrating Toshiba's "competitiveness", this indicates

that there was continuing information exchange with Toshiba. The following

statement in the same meeting minutes further confirms that [CPT producer]

was to continue information exhanges with Toshiba and shows also that the

purpose of such exchanges was to understand the stragegy of each maker: "in

order to accurately understand market changes and the tactics of other makers

such as [CPT producer]/[CPT producer]/TSB [Toshiba], besides continuing

exchanges with [CPT producer] and TSB, [CPT producer] and [CPT producer]

are separately the responsibility of SDI/PH to exchanges opinions periodically,

and such information shall be presented for reference during each meeting".

Similarly, […] regarding the meeting on 20 March 2002 (see Recital (372)), it

must be noted that according to the meeting minutes the participants had seen a

need to have all producers cooperating in order to increase prices. The meeting

report indicates that the participants considered Toshiba as one of the necessary

cartel members for successful coordination. Toshiba became a regular

participant in multirateral meetings shortly after this meeting (as of 12 April

2002).

Middle period and last phase: geographic scope of the SML and ASEAN meetings

Parties' arguments

(512) Concerning the time period from April 2002 to March 2003, […] (), [party to the

proceedings] acknowledges its presence in some SML and ASEAN meetings

(which according to it were not connected and had separate purposes), but

submits that it never attended any meetings in Europe

1216

. [Party to the

proceedings] also complains that the Statement of Objections misinterprets the

documents and that it ignores the majority of the evidence which allegedly

shows that the focus of the cartel arrangements was on Asia, and that as a result

the Statement of Objections overstretches the incidental references to

Europe

1217

(513) According to [party to the proceedings], the SML meetings started in 2002 and

EU was not discussed in these meetings. It says that it would not be interested in

such discussions anyway given its limited exports to EU. [party to the

proceedings] says that it attended four SML meetings

1218

. [party to the

proceedings] emphasizes that the reference to Samsung's proposal to set up a

separate "council for Europe" in 2005 shows that during the three years of

existence of the SML meetings Europe was not the subject of discussions, that

the SML meetings were separate from European arrangements, that the SML

price guidelines agreed in the SML meetings (for high-end CPTs) did not apply

to Europe and that no production arrangements were reached. It argues that

references to Europe in such meetings were general and incidental, that

European prices were not taken into account for Asia and, if the European

1216

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1217

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1218

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 161 EN

situation was discussed this would have been done separately between Samsung

and [Philips/LGE joint venture] in Korean language.

1219

(514) As for the ASEAN meetings, [party to the proceedings] asserts that they started in

2002, were distinct from Asian Glass meetings (which ended earlier), EU Glass

meetings and SML meetings

1220

. [Party to the proceedings] submits that one of

its factory level employees attended four of the ASEAN meetings and that also

MTPD participated in such meetings. Only Asian customers and the Turkish

customer Vestel would have been subject to the ASEAN meetings'

arrangements. [Party to the proceedings] further submits that no agreements on

production or customer allocation were reached and that references to Europe

were only general and rare

1221

(515) [Party to the proceedings] claims that the SML and ASEAN meetings only related

to Asia and that the price guidelines agreed in these meetings were not intended

for Europe, which, according to [party to the proceedings], was hardly ever

mentioned in the meetings.

1222

It claims that such a conclusion is supported by

[certain other parties to the proceedings] while a contradictory picture was

drawn only by [one party to the proceedings]

1223

. [Party to the proceedings] is of

the view that the Commission uses scarce references to Europe to establish the

link with Asia and ignores the majority of documents suggesting the regional

character of agreements.

1224

Assessment of parties' arguments

(516) As [party to the proceedings] acknowledges, it participated in certain types of

meetings and it is not suggested that it participated in meetings held in Europe

1225

. The assessment in Recitals (472)-(490) also concerns the SML and ASEAN

meetings. The attendees of meetings in Asia covered various regions in an

interrelated manner and also specifically addressed Europe and European

customers. The cartel contacts recurrently referred to world wide or global

information, including information on plans for future behaviour. Some of the

customers addressed in those meetings also had facilities in Europe

1226

. In

addition the following is noted specifically concerning SML and ASEAN

meetings which seamlessly replaced the Asian Glass Meetings in around

2002/2003.

(517) Regarding the geographic scope of the SML meetings, contrary to the claims of

[party to the proceedings] and [party to the proceedings], the evidence shows

that the scope of the meetings was broader than Asia involving world wide

discussions and covering various regions in an interrelated manner. The

evidence also shows that Europe is often referred to separately in the meeting

discussions and in the information prepared for and discussed in the meetings.

The following meeting examples demonstrate this clearly: the 6 December 2002

1219

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1220

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1221

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1222

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1223

[…] asserts that especially […] in several submissions the regional nature of the agreements.

1224

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1225

Nor was it in the Statement of Objections.

1226

See for example the meeting of 16 February 2004 (Recital (418)) […]

EN 162 EN

meeting in which Europe was discussed (Recital (384)); the 10 February 2003

meeting where production capacities in Europe were discussed (Recital

(387)

1227

); the 6 May 2004 meeting where plans for future production on

worldwide level were discussed (see Recital (434)); similar discussions took

place also for example on 10 December 2004 (see Recital (438)-(440)) and on

26 September 2005

1228

(see Recital (446)). Moreover, contrary to the claims of

[party to the proceedings], the anticompetitive discussions in these meetings did

not only concern price guidelines, but addressed also capacities, production and

sales as these examples of meetings also show. In the SML meetings the

participants distributed and discussed individual future oriented data covering

all geographic regions and even if a meeting did not take place data was shared

(see also Recital (416) for further details on scope of SML meetings).

(518) As in the case of SML meetings, the ASEAN meetings did not take place in

isolation. Regions other than Asia were discussed in the meetings (see Recital

(416)). See for example the overview of the world-wide market situation and

production plans of Samsung in the meeting on 12 December 2002

1229

or the

discussion about world-wide demand in the major geographic areas in the

meeting on 21 February 2003

1230

. Finally, an illustrative example of [party to the

proceedings]' inaccurate reading of evidence is the meeting on 6 December

2005. [Party to the proceedings] explains in great detail

1231

that the information

about plants closed or to be closed was already in public domain when the

meeting took place. However, it fails to address the fact that in the very same

meeting the participants also discussed the current operating rates and discussed

the price trends in Europe, including price plans of the parties (that is to say,

they reviewed price and market situation including information about price

increases) as well as agreed on price guidelines for the first quarter of 2006 (see

Recital (448)).

Connection between Asia and Europe in information exchanges in the CPT cartel

(519) While [party to the proceedings] admits that there was a flow of commercial

information between Asia and Europe

1232

, it submits that the Commission only

infrequently identifies an information exchange that would show a specific

connection between the Asian and European CPT cartel arrangements. [Party to

the proceedings] also contests specific instances, such as the meetings on 28

November 2003, 15 March 2005, 30 June 2005, 12 June 2006, as well as

information exchange involving specific companies

1233

. [Party to the

proceedings] admits that there was an exchange of information in European and

1227

This meeting report also shows, like various other documents that when the parties colluded on their

future output plans and market shares they often used the code-word "forecast". See for example the

meeting report […] no agreement was reached at this meeting […] reply to the Statement of Objections

[…]

1228

Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD shared their production figures from 2004 and plans

for 2005 and they made these comparisons on a worldwide level, also including Europe […]

1229

[…]

1230

[…]

1231

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1232

Even though […] it was more limited than asserted in the Statement of Objections. […] reply to the

Statement of Objections […]

1233

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 163 EN

Asian contacts, but it claims that "in many instances" the information would

have been of a general and not sensitive nature. It further argues that, in specific

cases where the participants exchanged sensitive information about another

region, this occurred during particular periods of the arrangement and the data

typically related to certain CPT types and sizes and that such exchanges would

not in general demonstrate any connection between European and Asian

arrangements.

1234

(520) In particular, concerning the early and middle period of the cartel, [party to the

proceedings] stresses that "most" of the exchanges were held in Asia and "as a

general rule" Europe was not discussed. According to [party to the

proceedings], "in limited instances" when Europe was discussed it was not "the

focus of the discussions" and was referred "often" to production or production

plants or consisted of "general references often addressing market

developments, supply/demand and information about European plants".

1235

(521) The CPT cartel included a constant and consistent pattern of discussions that also

involved exchanges of sensitive information on future plans of the parties at

world wide level. The participants exchanged commercially sensitive

information on their future intentions, including information on future

production capacities, supply and pricing both in the meetings and in recurrent

contacts between the meetings (see for reference also footnote 146 regarding the

terminology used in this Decision to describe all contacts that had as their object

the ultimate fixing of prices or restriction of output). The information exchange

specifically relating to capacities and supply was recurrently done on a

worldwide basis covering all production sites and CPTs overall, as well as

deliveries from Asian factories to Europe (see for example Recitals (304)-(305),

(413)-(416)).

(522) The following examples illustrate well the anticompetitive nature of such

exchanges

1236

: during the meeting of 12 February 1998 between Chunghwa and

Samsung CPT production was discussed at world wide level and there was

explicit mention of Europe in relation to output planning; during the meeting of

4 May 1998 between Samsung, LGE and [CPT producer] and during the

meeting of 25 January 1999 between Samsung and [CPT producer] the

companies discussed capacities, prices, tariffs and product demand in general,

therefore concerning also Europe; during the meeting of 24 March 1999

between Samsung, LGE and [CPT producer], apart from exchanges regarding

January/February production and sales, the parties also discussed the 1999 Flat

CPT demand forecast and supply plans at world wide level referring explicitly

to Europe; during the contact of 29 September 1999 between Chunghwa and

Toshiba the companies discussed the status of the production lines and prices

across the board; during the meeting of 8 December 1999 between Samsung and

[CPT producer] production planning and capacities were discussed. The

overview of the cartel exchanges in this Decision provides examples of constant

1234

In this context, […] the European market was referred to alongside other regions, like Asia and China.

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1235

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1236

[…]

EN 164 EN

and consistent exchanges concerning future intentions, which shows a clear

pattern of anticompetitive behaviour of the parties.

(523) Contrary to [party to the proceedings'] claim, such exchanges were a continuous

part of the cartel covering not only various sizes of CRT, but also extending

over different geographic regions. Such evidence, when assessed with the rest of

the evidence on the cartel contacts, contributes to the finding that the cartel was

one single enterprise.

Reporting of subsidiaries to headquarters and presence of Asian personnel at European

meetings

(524) [Party to the proceedings] contests the reporting of European subsidiaries to their

headquarters in Asia. It argues that mere reference to internal reporting in

certain global companies does not, in itself, provide proof of any connection

between the arrangements. As far as [party to the proceedings] is concerned, it

maintains that reporting by [party to the proceedings' subsidiary in] Germany to

headquarters following discussions in Europe would have been a relatively rare

occurrence

1237

. According to [party to the proceedings], the documents in the

file would show that some European subsidiaries of some Asian companies

sometimes reported to their headquarters about market developments in Europe,

including occasionally on meetings with competitors. However, it claims that

there is no indication of systematical passing on of information to participants in

the Asian arrangements or that the information would be explicitly acted upon

in the Asian meetings.

1238

[Party to the proceedings] also claims that, whilst the

presence of Asian personnel at European meetings (and vice versa) occurred, it

would have been uncommon and ad hoc

1239

(525) Contrary to the arguments of [party to the proceedings], the evidence regarding

reporting to Asian headquarters and the presence of Asian personnel is one of

the elements showing a connection between the Asian and European cartel

contacts, which need to be assessed together. Subsidiaries from the same legal

entities and, occasionally, the same individuals attended meetings with

competitors in both Europe and Asia, as is shown by the example given in

Recital (254). Participants in the meetings in Asia were aware of the meetings in

Europe and discussed dates and venues for these meetings as well as their

outcome (see for example meetings of 20 November 2001 and 22 February

2002 reported respectively in Recitals (368) and (370) above). There is evidence

regarding reporting for some European subsidiaries – including [party to the

proceedings'] subsidiary – to their Asian headquarters and vice versa about the

market situation and the cartel arrangements in Europe and regarding the posing

of questions on cartel arrangements to the headquarters for decision or

"feedback" (see for example Recitals (363), (367), (377) and (425)). [Party to

the proceedings] noted in a meeting held in Europe that price quotes for […]

(one of its parent companies) would be made by [party to the proceedings']

headquarters in Asia (see Recital (422)). Finally, participants in European

meetings were also aware of outcome of meetings in Asia (see for example

1237

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1238

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1239

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 165 EN

Recitals (254) and (294)-(298)). It is natural for cartels of long duration that

there is less evidence for certain periods or elements. Such scarcity of evidence

does not, however, reduce the value of the available evidence.

(526) Moreover, when contesting the reporting to the headquarters in Asia, [party to the

proceedings] contradicts its own submissions […]. First, [party to the

proceedings'] own manager who was involved in the cartel […] was reporting

some discussions among the CPT makers to the [party to the proceedings']

headquarters. In its reply to the Statement of Objections [party to the

proceedings] now counters this […] and argues that this rarely occurred. This

[party to the proceedings'] manager also explained that […] had target sales

volumes and a certain price range within which […] could decide (mentioning

as an example a range from USD 48 to USD 50, but that for anything going

beyond that […] needed to contact the headquarters.

1240

Second, [party to the

proceedings] has itself submitted that, it had internal annual price forecasts

determined on regional basis, with quarterly revisions if market conditions

changed (note that in both cartels price and volume discussions were often on

quarterly basis), "these price forecasts were communicated to [party to the

proceedings'] headquarters which ensured that the general level of forecast

prices met an overall level of profitability for the company as a whole"

1241

. This

therefore confirms why the regional entities needed to report to [party to the

proceedings'] headquarters.

Comparison between contacts in China and in the rest of Asia

(527) [Party to the proceedings] argues further that the Commission disregards the

arrangements and discussions which took place in China but considers, by

contrast, that other anticompetitive CPT meetings in Asia were interrelated with

those that took place in the EU. [Party to the proceedings] submits in this regard

that the Chinese meetings do not evidence arrangements to cartelise the

European market but that there are many features of the Chinese arrangement

which are common to the Asian arrangements. [Party to the proceedings] claims

that the Commission has treated the two Asian arrangements inconsistently and

that this would infringe the principle of equal treatment

1242

(528) As explained in Recitals (472)-(490), there is a clear connection between the

collusive contacts in Asia and Europe which is manifested for example by

global data exchanges, discussions on European prices at Asian meetings and

Asian prices during the meetings in Europe. [Party to the proceedings'] own

claims appear to contradict an inconsistent treatment of the Chinese meetings

and of the other Asian meetings. [Party to the proceedings] itself submitted that

there is no evidence on collusive behaviour concerning Europe in the Chinese

meetings, while it accepts that such discussions took place at least in some

meetings in the rest of Asia. Moreover, [party to the proceedings] refers in

general terms to common features but does not specify which Chinese meetings

should be relevant for this case. Consequently, [party to the proceedings']

arguments regarding Chinese meetings must be rejected.

1240

[…]

1241

[…]

1242

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 166 EN

4.3.4.3. MTPD continuing the participation of Toshiba and Panasonic

Parties' arguments

(529) [Party to the proceedings] submits that once MTPD was set up as of 1 April 2003,

[party to the proceedings] left the CPT market. According to [party to the

proceedings], MTPD attended only SML and ASEAN meetings, which did not

concern Europe

1243

, and that in Europe only a single employee from MTPD

Germany engaged in limited bilateral contacts with competitors. In addition,

[party to the proceedings] submits that it was a representative from former

[party to the proceedings] office who participated in the SML meetings

1244

[Party to the proceedings] also complains that the Statement of Objections

ignores the fact that MTPD was not following the agreed price guidelines for

Asia

1245

. [Party to the proceedings] claims that the Statement of Objections does

not set out any evidence regarding collusive arrangements involving MTPD

and concerning Europe

1246

(530) [Party to the proceedings] claims that MTPD did not participate in any

multilateral meetings in Europe. It argues that MTPD was only a small player in

Europe (with a market share of some 5%) and the main producers Samsung,

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson had such complex arrangements that

an outsider could not align its behaviour with them based on just occasional

contacts. According to [party to the proceedings], MTPD participated in

multilateral meetings only in Asia and the agreements reached there related to

Asia only. Moreover, it submits that MTPD was introduced to the ASEAN and

SML meetings by former [party to the procededings'] employees who had been

transferred to MTPD.

1247

Assessment of parties' arguments

(531) The creation of the joint venture, MTPD is not a cut off date for Toshiba and

Panasonic since its parent companies exercised decisive influence over the joint

venture and it continued uninterrupted their participation in the cartel. Hence,

Toshiba and Panasonic continued their participation via the joint venture.

Toshiba and Panasonic are also held responsible for the participation of MTPD

in the cartel arrangements (see Recitals (928)-(978)).

(532) In this respect, the previous exact position of MTPD employees within the parent

companies is without relevance (see Recitals (928)-(978)). It is, however, noted

that Panasonic and Toshiba give a dramatically different picture as to who took

an active role in MTPD's participation in the cartel. While [party to the

proceedings] submits that "MTPD was introduced to the ASEAN and SML

meetings by the former [party to the proceedings'] employees who, at the joint

venture, were responsible for sales and marketing of CPTs"

1248

, [party to the

proceedings] submits that "the [manager] of MTPD, [name], considered

1243

The arguments of […] regarding the period after creation of MTPD that relate to the geographic scope

are dealt with in Recitals (472)-(518) above.

1244

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1245

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1246

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1247

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1248

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 167 EN

whether or not MTPD employees should attend the SML Meetings, and decided

that they would. (…) It appears that employees from MTPD’s Osaka office

(formerly an office of [party to the proceedings])".

1249

(533) [Party to the proceedings'] argument that MTPD was introduced to multilateral

meetings by former [party to the proceedings'] employees who only

occasionally involved [party to the proceedings'] employees is not relevant

considering the fact that both parent companies of MTPD had decisive influence

over it and are therefore liable for its market conduct, which [party to the

proceedings] does not contest (see also Section 6.2.9. below).

(534) As for MTPD's involvement in the illicit contacts with competitors in Europe, it is

not suggested that MTPD participated in multilateral EU Glass meetings. On the

other hand, it is maintained that MTPD, through its German subsidiary, actively

participated in the cartel contacts in Europe by means of bilateral contacts. A

clear example is the price agreement of 26 January 2004 for which neither

Toshiba nor Panasonic put forward any alternative explanation (see Recitals

(422)-(426)

1250

). The alleged lack of communication between MTPD Germany

and the Japanese headquarters of MTPD

1251

, or the fact that it was, according to

[party to the proceedings], one single employee of MTPDG who was involved

in the cartel, cannot relieve Toshiba and Panasonic of the responsibility for the

actions of MTPD. Moreover, the SML and ASEAN meetings attended by

MTPD in Asia had an anticompetitive content covering Europe as well (see for

example Recitals (395), (398), (428) and (451)).

4.3.4.4. Technicolor's participation in an overarching CPT cartel

Parties' arguments

(535) Technicolor submits that there was no overarching global cartel that included all

CPT manufacturers but rather separate, unrelated incidents of collusive conduct

with differing groups of participants

1252

(536) Technicolor argues that there is very little evidence of its involvement in meetings

in Asia. In particular, Technicolor emphasises that it does not bear liability for

the meetings involving Chunghwa as it claims to have never met with

Chunghwa (except for one EDIA meeting) and to have never been aware of the

conduct in which Chunghwa engaged

1253

. It refers to […] saying that Thomson

did not attend group meetings or participate in bilateral contacts. Moreover,

Technicolor argues that it was only active in medium and large size CPTs

whereas Chunghwa focused mainly on small size CPTs, and therefore,

according to Technicolor, both companies did not consider each other as

competitors.

(537) Technicolor admits that it knew of, and attended, certain “Top Meetings” in Asia,

but submits that, other participants were merely Samsung and [Philips/LGE

joint venture], the two CPT manufacturers with which it engaged in cartel

1249

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1250

See also […] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1251

[…] does not present any evidence to support its apparent claim that MTPD Germany would have acted

independently in the market.

1252

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1253

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 168 EN

contacts in Europe

1254

. It claims that such meetings with Samsung and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] also took place in Europe and had as their focus the

Turkish TV producers Beko, Vestel and Telra. In Asia, Technicolor states, it

only participated in meetings attended by more senior management from

Samsung and [Philips/LGE joint venture] where the purpose of the meetings

was, inter alia, to settle disputes that could not be resolved in Europe

1255

. This

said, [name] of Thomson was, according to Technicolor, only aware of certain

"Top Meetings" held in Asia and was only vaguely aware of the substance of

these meetings. In addition, [name] allegedly only became aware of the

meetings at a relatively late point in time (as from 2003-2004). Technicolor also

claims that due to inconsistent terminology, [name]'s references to "Top

Meetings" cannot be deemed to mean each and every meeting referred to as

"Top Meetings" by other CPT manufacturers

1256

Assessment of parties' arguments

(538) Technicolor's submission that it participated only a limited number of meetings in

Asia and that those meetings consisted mainly of meetings among senior

managers concerning matters which could not be resolved in Europe is in line

with the description of events in the Statement of Objections and in Section

4.3.3 of this Decision (see Recitals (254), (310)-(311)). This does not, however,

mean that Technicolor (formely Thomson) would have had a more limited

participation in the cartel, as for example the following elements show.

(539) With regard to […]

1257

referred to by Technicolor, it has to be noted that Thomson

was not very active in small sized CPTs, which explains its absence in [some]

meetings […]. On the other hand, […] [it is] referred explicitly to multilateral or

bilateral meetings involving Thomson

1258

. Furthermore, the Commission has

evidence that Thomson and Chunghwa met in the cartel context at least on three

occasions (besides the […] meeting of 26 October 2001 in Brussels

1259

). The

first one occurred on 24 April 2001

1260

in Shenzhen, in the presence of SDI, LG,

Philips, Chunghwa, Thomson and others. The second one occurred on 31 May

2001

1261

which was also acknowledged by Technicolor […]. Technicolor's

argument that this meeting related to ordinary business conduct cannot be

accepted. In this meeting Thomson provided commercially sensitive

information about the world-wide CPT demand and its production costs of 20"

CPTs

1262

. Another meeting took place on 15-18 March 2004 in Singapore

1263

. In

1254

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1255

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1256

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

1257

[…]

1258

[…] mentioned a bilateral meeting with Thomson on 31 May 2001 (20" and 21").

1259

See Recital (365) and footnote 888.

1260

[…] With respect to […] argument raised in its reply to the Statement of Objections […] regarding the

impossibility to identify Thomson's representatives, it can be noted that even though the exact

identification of persons might be impossible, according to the meeting report, Thomson was present

and contributed to the content of the meeting reported ("THOMSON: There is only one line but due to

the lack of orders, the line only manufactures 29''HF and exports around 50K of 28'' to Europe per

month."). The evidence related to this meeting was submitted by […]

1261

[…] The evidence related to this meeting was submitted by [a party], […]

1262

[…]

1263

[…] The evidence related to this meeting was submitted by [a party] […]

EN 169 EN

that meeting, both companies agreed to raise the prices for 14" and 20" CPTs in

April 2004. Those meetings show that Chunghwa and Thomson were

competitors as both were active in the production and distribution of small and

medium sized CPTs. The minutes of the meeting of 26 November 1999

1264

, in

which Thomson participated, also show that Thomson knew about Chughwa

having been invited in 1999 to attend cartel contacts in Europe (see Recital

(293)).

(540) More generally, Thomson was involved in a cartel not only with Chunghwa but

also with the other addressees of this Decision

1265

. As described in Section

4.3.3, Thomson participated in meetings and other contacts that concerned a

range of CPT sizes and types with other addressees of this Decision, which

attended meetings with Chunghwa that shared the same object. In this context,

Thomson had a role in the cartel which was appropriate to its own specific

circumstances. The fact that Thomson sometimes met with Chunghwa

furthermore demonstrates that Thomson was aware of the overall collusion also

involving Chunghwa.

1266

(541) Moreover, Technicolor […] [participated] in the "top meetings" held in Asia.

Technicolor is […] attempting to prove minimal participation in the cartel

compared to what it had itself submitted during the investigation […] . […]

[Thomsons']

1267

more senior managers would convene once or twice a year in so

called "top meetings" in, among other places, Korea or Hong Kong, and […]

generally representatives of Thomson participated in such meetings.[…] [I]n the

"top meetings" held in Asia the participants would attempt to resolve

disagreements between the participants of the "glass meetings" who would

escalate their unresolved issues to a "top meeting". Hence, […] [there is] the

link between the cartel contacts held in Europe and Asia

1268

. The same applies

to the extensive information exchange that Thomson had with its competitors

which covered detailed future oriented information per producer across various

geographic regions, including Europe and Asia, and where the contacts took

places also across the regions (for further details see Recitals (307)-(310))

1269

[…] [T]he intent of the information exchanges was to develop an "accurate

understanding" on global level

1270

1264

See […] Recital (293).

1265

See for example the meeting of 2 February 2000, Recital (347).

1266

Case C-49/92P, Anic Partecipazioni, para. 83.

1267

[…]

1268

In addition to the above, […] description of some individual meeting evidence also confirms such a

link. For example, […] [a party] explains that the excel tables relating to 14 October 2003 glass meeting

in Amsterdam contain also prices agreed by the participants at a "top meeting" held in Hong Kong on

27 September 2004 and that Thomson would also have participated that "top meeting". Also, regarding

the meeting of 10 November 2004 [a party] explains […]that the participants attempted to reconcile

"global tube production data" and that they shared the supply volumes of their companies and estimates

of third party production […]

1269

[…] [A party] explained that bilateral meetings with Philips took place in Europe while meetings with

the Asian manufacturers took place in Asia or in Europe.

1270

[…]

EN 170 EN

4.3.4.5. Role of bilateral contacts in the participation of the Japanese companies in the CPT

cartel and parties' arguments on corporate statements

(542) Both Toshiba and Panasonic argue that bilateral meetings and contacts are not

sufficient to include them in the cartel before the creation of MTPD,

1271

but

these assertions are contradicted by the contemporaneous evidence described in

Section 4.3.3 as well as […] by other cartel members. The evidence clearly

shows that prior to the creation of MTPD both Toshiba and Panasonic

coordinated with competitors through bilateral contacts, colluded on prices as

well as participated in arrangements on market sharing and output limitation

which arrangements also encompassed the EEA (for detailed assessment see

Recitals (496)-(518)). For illustrative examples of such meetings, concerning

Toshiba see for example the meetings of 28 August 2000 (Recital (314)), 6

March 2002 (Recital(313)), 6 November 2002 (see Recital (314)) and

6 December 2002 (Recital (384)), and for Panasonic see for example the

meetings of 7 September 1999 (Recital(284)) and of 14 September 1999 (see

Recital(284)), and for both Panasonic and Toshiba see also the meeting of 10

February 2003 (Recital (387)).

(543) Both Toshiba and Panasonic attended a number of bilateral cartel meetings and

other cartel contacts identified in this Decision (see for example Recitals (249),

(312)-(319)). They recurrently communicated and colluded with multilateral

cartel meeting attendees. In the case of Toshiba from at least since 16 May 2000

until it began attending group meetings with competitors in 2002 (that is from

12 April 2002), and in the case of Panasonic, from at least 15 July 1999, and

their joint venture MTPD continued such participation uninterrupted.

(544) Such bilateral cartel contacts and information exchanges illustrate that there were

frequent and detailed discussions and exchanges on planned future conduct in

the market. Those discussions and exchanges fall into the general pattern of anti

competitive contacts in this case. The information exchanges in particular

demonstrate the preparation and follow-up of collusive arrangements reached by

the cartel members. Moreover, such contacts overall served to artificially create

transparency regarding actions and strategies between competitors thereby

reducing or eliminating uncertainty as to the actions of the competitors.

(545) Toshiba participated in the ASEAN meetings, and took an active role, well before

the formation of MTPD. See for example the meetings of 27 May 2002 (Recital

(377)), 6 December 2002 (Recital (384)) and 10 February 2003 (Recital (387)).

(546) Toshiba contests the finding that it was Toshiba's choice not to participate in

multilateral meetings but instead to be involved via bilateral meetings and

contacts (see also Recital (993)). It should be noted in this respect that Toshiba

was not only kept informed of the collusion, but that it had bilateral cartel

contacts for which there is evidence at least since spring 2000 for around two

years (see Recital (126) as well as the meetings where reference is made to

Toshiba and the direct evidence on bilateral cartel contacts by Toshiba referred

to in Section 4.3.3).

1271

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […],[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 171 EN

(547) While Toshiba does not consider as credible the other companies' and […], or

contemporaneous documentary evidence, it proposes that the Commission

accept instead the [annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement of Objections]

prepared as a part of its defence in the context of antitrust proceedings. It should

be noted, however, that the assertions made by Toshiba […] are contradicted by

the contemporaneous evidence in the Commission's file. The following

examples illustrate this

1272

. First, [Toshiba] […] asserts having attended only

one meeting whereas there is evidence on the file to the contrary

1273

. Second,

[Toshiba] […] expresses [its] opinion on the meeting of 3 December 1997

which [it] did not even attend. [Toshiba] authored the minutes of the 6 March

2000 meeting when […] was still employed by Chunghwa (see Recital (330)).

[…] [Toshiba] argues that one of [its] remarks in the meeting minutes would

have been a ''typical overstatement'' […] often included in […] reports in order

to appease […] superiors. However, [annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement

of Objections] was made for the purpose of Toshiba's defence against the

Statement of Objections and therefore does not diminish the value of the

contemporaneous document which was not prepared in view of an antitrust

investigation.

(548) In addition to the documentary evidence on Toshiba's, Panasonic's and MTPD's

participation, several leniency applicants have confirmed their participation in

the cartel […]. According to well established case law, when one undertaking

admits and other undertakings disputes cartel participation, the admission alone

cannot be regarded as constituting adequate proof of an infringement committed

by the other undertakings unless supported by other evidence

1274

. A corporate

statement, the accuracy of which is not contested by other undertakings,

requires a lesser degree of corroboration, both in terms of precision and depth.

1275

. In the present case, the contemporaneous evidence on Toshiba's

involvement referred to in Section 4.3.3 is consistent with the leniency

applicants'[…]. Moreover, instead of one [evidence], there are several mutually

corroborating [evidence] confirming the participation of Toshiba, Panasonic and

MTPD [was] on equal footing with the other cartel members despite the fact

that they preferred to keep the cartel contacts at bilateral level particularly

before the creation of the joint venture. Regarding the uncorroborated [annex to

1272

Contrary to the consistent documentary evidence and corporate statements, Toshiba […] in a reply to

the Statement of Objections [denies] any involvement in a cartel concerning Europe. These examples

illustrate this argument in the Statement of Objections reply: [annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement

of Objections] […] says that "Toshiba did not make any agreement or reach any understanding";

[annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement of Objections] […],[…] says that "Toshiba never cooperated

with the pricing or production arrangements made at the glass meetings"; [annex to Toshiba's reply to

the Statement of Objections] […] says that "Toshiba did not reach any agreement or understanding

with any competitor as to pricing or production of CPTs"; and identically formulated denials saying that

"Toshiba never participated in any agreement or understanding" can be found […] in [annex to]

Toshiba's response to the Statement of Objections […].

1273

[Toshiba] participated actively in some cartel meetings and contacts in 2001 and 2002: see for example

[…]. See also exchanges with MEI of 12 November 2001 […].

1274

Case T-67/00, JFE Engineering v Commission [2004] ECR II-2501, paragraph 219, upheld on appeal in

Joined Cases C-403/04 P and C-405/04 P, Sumitomo Metal Industries Ltd and Nippon Steel Corp v

Commission [2007] ECR I-729, paragraphs 73 and 74.

1275

See, for instance, the judgement of the General Court of 16 June 2011 in Case T-191/06, FMC Foret,

SA v. European Commission, at paragraphs 119 to 127 and the case-law cited.

EN 172 EN

Toshiba's] reply to the Statement of Objections, it is noted that the Court has

confirmed that such statements, drawn up under the supervision of that

company and submitted by it in its defence, cannot, in principle, be classed as

evidence which is different from, and independent of, the statements made by

that same company

1276

. In view of the above, it is concluded that the

contemporaneous meeting minutes and corroborated […] leniency applicants

present a more credible version of events than [annex to] Toshiba's reply to the

Statement of Objections.

(549) Similarly, Toshiba's specific arguments regarding oral corporate statements

cannot be accepted. Toshiba points to […] and states that [another party to the

proceedings] neither includes Toshiba among the Asian Glass-Meeting

participants, nor among the non-attendees who were periodically contacted

bilaterally by the group meeting participants in an attempt to influence and

control the pricing. That, according to Toshiba, proves that the oral statements

cited by the Commission do not confirm its findings. In this respect it has to be

noted that in the contested oral statement [party to the proceedings] stated that

[…] "later in approximately 1998 [CPT producer] became a regular

participant as did Matsushita Toshiba Picture Display and […]", mentioning

that "until its joint venture with Matsushita [i.e. the joint venture Matsushita

Toshiba Picture Display], Toshiba is not presently believed to have directly

participated in group meetings". This clearly indicated that this was still an

early stage in the [party to the proceedings'] internal fact finding when evidence

gathering was ongoing ([…] exceptionally large amount of contemporaneous

documentary evidence which took time to translate and process), but that [party

to the proceedings] had at that stage of its internal inquiries found MTPD to be a

participant […]. […] was further developed and corrected where it is clearly

stated that ''the examples of companies that did not participate in group

meetings are incorrect. As discussed in the earlier description of meeting

participants, [party to the proceedings] has now developed evidence that

Toshiba, [CPT producer], and [CPT producer] participated in both group and

bilateral meetings''. […] [I]ts purpose was to ''provide the Commission with

additional information learned in connection with [party to the proceedings']

ongoing cooperation and investigation, and to identify instances that reflect

[party to the proceedings'] changed understanding based upon its ongoing

investigation''. Such an update compared to […] very early stages of the

investigation is understandable due to the large number of persons to be

interviewed and the exceptionally large amount of contemporaneous evidence.

(550) [Another party to the proceedings] made a clear and unambiguous assertion […]

that "Generally, [Toshiba] was kept informed of the meetings through [CPT

producer]". Toshiba tries to discredit [it] by arguing that [party to the

proceedings] does not propose any evidence in support of it, while Toshiba

itself is disregarding all contemporaneous evidence presented to this end by the

Commission. […] [party to the proceedings] stated […] and with respect to

Panasonic (in the context of a bilateral Samsung-Matsushita meeting of 15 July

1999), that "Matsushita [now Panasonic] was aware of the discussions between

the 5 companies. It did not join the multilateral meetings. However, there were

1276

Case T-113/07, Toshiba Corp. v Commission, paragraph 58.

EN 173 EN

several bi-lateral meetings between SDI and Matsushita". […] (…). […] [party

to the proceedings] confirms that it also had bilateral meetings with Matsushita

(now Panasonic) and Toshiba. […] [party to the proceedings] explains that

while Toshiba did not attend CPT glass meetings (GSMs) it was generally kept

informed through [CPT producer]. It further explains that Toshiba and

Matsushita (now Panasonic) through the joint venture MTPD later joined the

multilateral SML meetings on a regular basis. […] [I]n addition to confirming

again the participation of Toshiba and Matsushita in the SML meetings through

MTPD, [party to the proceedings] explains further that [CPT producer] would

have through its technical support arrangement been close to Toshiba and would

share information with Toshiba and provide feedback on its opinion. It follows

from the above that [party to the proceeedings] confirms overall the

involvement of Toshiba and Panasonic in the cartel, and later on via MTPD.

(551) […] [a further party to the proceedings] explains the participation of the Japanese

companies as having been indirect, via bilateral contacts, but otherwise having

the same position in the cartel as other cartel members. [Party to the

proceedings] […]submitted that Japanese companies, which include Matsushita

(now Panasonic) and Toshiba, never attended glass meetings directly. However,

it indicated that the Koreans would have information about the Japanese

manufacturers and that [party to the proceedings'] employees believed that the

Korean companies informed the Japanese companies of what was discussed

during the glass meetings. Hence, it states that as a result the Japanese suppliers

participated indirectly. The Japanese companies did not physically take part in

glass meetings but were kept informed of the outcome of the meetings. This

seemed to show to [party to the proceedings] that the Japanese companies

appeared to have been "more cautious than the others", referring to them trying

to avoid the risk of antitrust detection. It stated that, according to one of its

employees, in particular the outcome of the discussions on supply and demand

was shared with the Japanese companies, while the outcome of the discussions

on prices would either not have been shared or would have been shared to a

lesser extent

1277

. During glass meetings someone was assigned to inform each

Japanese company. The reason for having less contacts with some Japanese

companies was, according to [party to the proceedings'] employee, that such

companies produced CRTs only for their in house television manufacturing and

not for third parties

1278

. The results of the discussions with the Japanese

companies were discussed during the next glass meeting. While the Japanese

companies were apparently regarded as small players, the only difference

between the participants in glass meetings and the Japanese companies was that

the Japanese companies did not physically participate in the glass meetings.

Apart from this, their position was the same. [Party to the proceedings] confirms

that all companies, including the Japanese, shared the same understanding on

1277

The evidence discussed in Section 4.3.3 shows that the Japanese companies, Toshiba and Panasonic

(later MTPD) were involved in the collusion on prices too (see for example Recitals (256), (325),

(418)).

1278

It is also noted that in the multilateral meetings the Japanese companies that were involved were first

Toshiba, later Panasonic via Toshiba, and finally MTPD. Toshiba, Panasonic and MTPD had also

recurrent bilateral contacts with the other cartel members. There is no corresponding consistent

evidence for other Japanese companies.

EN 174 EN

what had to be done. Moreover, [yet one further party to the proceedings] has

also confirmed […] that it held information exchange contacts (meetings and e-

mails) with Toshiba, Matsushita and MTPD both in Europe and in Asia.

(552) Unlike the denials by Toshiba and Panasonic (referred to in Recitals (542), (546)

and (547)), the explicit acknowledgements of [parties to the proceedings]

(referred to in Recitals (548) to (551)), as well as [party to the proceedings]

(referred to in Recital (551)), have a self-incriminating value and are consistent

with the rest of the evidence in the file. Therefore, these statements are also

reliable and credible.

(553) There is a body of consistent direct evidence regarding Toshiba's continuous

involvement in the CPT cartel as of 16 May 2000, first through bilateral

contacts and afterwards also through participation in multirateral meetings (see

Recital (502)).

(554) Panasonic/MTPD also questions

1279

[party to the proceedings]statements before

the Commission and in support of its claims it submits […] from proceedings

before the Japan Fair Trade Commission ("JFTC") arguing that those would

contradict [party to the proceedings]statements in this case. In this respect [party

to the proceedings] stated […] [that] the questions that JFTC raised […] had a

different focus

1280

. The Commission has verified the corporate statements of

[party to the proceedings] in the present proceedings and finds that, overall, they

correspond to the evidence in the Commission file. Moreover, the Commission's

findings with regard to the nature of the ASEAN meeting are based not only on

[party to the proceedings'] statements, but also on other corroborating

evidentiary material as is clear from the evidence referred to in Section 4.3.3.

4.3.4.6. Information exchange in the CPT cartel via contacts reported by Thomson

Parties' arguments

(555) Technicolor argues that the role of [name] of Thomson was overstated in the

Statement of Objections. In Technicolor's view, [name] did not play any leading

role in the information exchange and [name's] counterparts had a similar job

description nor did [name] monitor compliance with any agreements between

CPT manufacturers but collected data to serve as a proxy for CPT demand and

price trends

1281

. Technicolor submits that the information exchange also

included the Japanese manufacturers Toshiba and MTPD

1282

but argues that the

information exchange never involved any hard core restrictions

1283

. According

to Technicolor, the information collected was not useful for monitoring price

fixing agreements, because it only related to average market prices rather than

prices of specific products and for specific customers. When arguing that the

company did not police any cartel agreements, Technicolor invokes references

in the Statement of Objections to its own role as price maverick. In this context,

1279

[…]presentation during the oral hearing, […].

1280

26 May 2010, Oral Hearing afternoon session recording […]

1281

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1282

As well as two other Japanese producers which were not addressees of the Statement of Objections.

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1283

[…]

EN 175 EN

Technicolor concedes that it entered into price fixing agreements but claims that

such agreements were not implemented

1284

(556) Toshiba submits that evidence of bilateral contacts between Toshiba and Thomson

cannot be held against Toshiba because they did not relate specifically to the

EU/EEA market, did not suggest any anticompetitive conduct or discuss any

customers located in the EU/EEA. According to Toshiba, these exchanges were

for benchmarking purposes.

1285

Assessment of parties' arguments

(557) The Statement of Objections neither suggested that [name] would have had a

leading role in the cartel nor that it was […] task to police it or monitor the

cartel

1286

. Instead, it simply demonstrated that [name] was one of the main

representatives of Thomson in the cartel, explaining clearly the information

exchange stemming from Thomson's […] documents. The relevance therefore

does not lie in the role of [name], but instead in the content of the information

exchanged and its relation with the anticompetitive conduct. [Name] engaged in

extensive exchange of commercially sensitive information, including exchanges

of information on prices

1287

, with […] respective counterparts in other

companies producing CPT. It is maintained that this information exchange

constituted one of the substantive elements of the cartel and contributed to the

other features of the cartel, such as price fixing, market sharing or output

limitation (as described in more in detail in Recitals (304)-(309)).

(558) There is a clear link between the information exchange and the price fixing,

output and sales arrangements. First of all, the information exchange and the

price fixing, output and sales arrangements are contemporaneous in nature.

Moreover, the purpose of the information exchange, including the exchange in

which [name] was involved, was to both monitor compliance with previous

arrangements as well as to jointly plan future prices, output, market shares and

customer allocation.

1288

Hence, the information exchange was relevant to the

other cartel arrangements. As admitted by Thomson itself

1289

, there is evidence

of [name] having exchanged pricing information regarding specific products

1290

[Name's] direct superior at Thomson was [name], who was one of Thomson's

representatives at the Asian "Top meetings"

1291

. There is ample evidence of

[name] reporting the findings of her information exchange with competitors to

[name] as well as to [name] of Thomson

1292

. This reinforces the finding that the

information exchange was closely related to the cartel arrangements as well as

1284

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1285

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1286

[…]

1287

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. Moreover, […] documents as evidence of price fixing

agreements […] and documents as evidence of information exchanges on prices […].

1288

[…]

1289

Reply to the Statement of Objections […].

1290

[…]

1291

[…] [Names] are stated to have attended the Asian Top meetings regularly.

1292

[…]"[Name] reported the information that she received through the bilateral information exchanges to

[…] immediate superiors in the Thomson tubes business and also to [name]". [Name] was recipient of a

Thomson internal email sent to [name], apart from citing prices of Philips and LG in China, also asks

[…] to confirm […] views on TF pricing overall […].

EN 176 EN

its purpose as described above. Consequently, Thomson's arguments that the

information exchange did not involve any hard core restrictions must be

rejected.

(559) Overall, as explained in Recitals (248), (304)-(309), (413)-(414), information

exchange both outside the meetings and covering also future intentions of

individual companies was an integral part of the cartel (see also Recitals (519)-

(523) regarding assessment of Samsung's claims on information exchange). The

role of information exchange in the cartel is also confirmed by the leniency

applicants. [Party to the proceedings] submits that there was an implicit

agreement among the cartel participants to exchange information on shipments,

prices and customer demand.

1293

For instance, they exchanged pricing

information about specific customers regarding both CDT and CPT

products.

1294

[Party to the proceedings] also states that at least once a month its

employees exchanged via email information of the following categories with its

CDT competitors [parties to the proceedings]: inventory at the beginning of the

month, production for this month, accumulation of production, sales of this

month, accumulation of sales, direct export number (exports that have gone

directly to other countries), indirect export number (internal China sales that

then go to other countries as a product in another form), accumulated export and

inventory at the end the month.

1295

[Another party to the proceedings] submits

that the that the cartel participants exchanged market information for instance

on market developments and that they discussed the supply and demand

situation and prices. For instance, company employees who met at the working

group level in the official EECA meeting also met before or after this official

meeting to openly discuss detailed capacity and price information timing and

planning of production stops and loading rates.

1296

The evidence submitted by

[yet another further party to the proceedings] on information exchange is

explained in more detail in Recitals (307)-(310). [A further party to the

proceedings]

1297

has also itself described the information exchange explaining

that the information exchanged falls into the following categories:

manufacturing information, inventory levels, export and sales figures, general

pricing information, customer developments, market trends and developments,

product developments. While, contrary to the documentary evidence, [this

further party to the proceedings] argues that such exchanges were only general

and sporadic in nature, it has admitted that the information exchanged was

commercially sensitive.

(560) As for Toshiba's arguments concerning specific arrangements referred to in

Recital (304) and in the related Recitals and footnotes, the following is noted.

The overall conclusion is that Toshiba participated in the exchange of

commercially sensitive information with other CPT producers which occurred

in preparation of the coordinated actions and also as a follow-up to the collusive

arrangements. This information exchange was recurrently future oriented and

1293

[…]

1294

[…]

1295

[…]

1296

[…]

1297

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […]

EN 177 EN

went beyond mere benchmarking purposes

1298

, unlike Toshiba claims. The

contact between Thomson and Toshiba on 29 August 2001 illustrates, once

again, the flaws of Toshiba's argumentation. In the e-mail at question

1299

Thomson communicated to Toshiba future prices of its products in Europe and

elsewhere (outside Asia). However, Toshiba

1300

presents it as a request from

Thomson to be informed about Japan and Korea and emphasizes that this e-mail

is completely unrelated to the Asian Glass meetings, a fact that was never

claimed by the Statement of Objections. Consequently, Toshiba's arguments are

rejected.

4.3.4.7. Meetings relating to Turkey

(561) Toshiba, Panasonic/MTPD, Samsung and Thomson argue that in a number of

meetings "Europe" means in fact Turkey. For example, Panasonic claims that a

number of the references to Europe actually relate to sales to TV manufacturers

in Turkey and that the Commission did not explain why MTPD's sales to

Turkey should fall under the scope of EU competition rules

1301

(562) One of the examples that the parties give is the meeting of 28 November 2003.

With respect to this meeting not only Panasonic, but also Toshiba and Samsung

argue that it concerned Turkey and not Europe

1302

(see Recitals (403)-(405)). In

the documents referred to by the parties, contrary to their claim, the word

"Europe" does not replace the word "Turkey"

1303

. Namely, within the point of

discussion entitled "Europe" a Spanish factory is mentioned and later in the

discussion within the point of discussion entitled "Europe" there is not only a

mention of Turkey, but also of Berlin, Germany

1304

(563) Toshiba puts forward similar argument with respect to the meeting of 10

December 2004 (see Recitals (438)-(440))

1305

. However, MTPD's meeting

report clearly distinguishes between Europe and Turkey

1306

. Even if it were

accepted that Turkey was sometimes referred to as Europe, this meeting report

still clearly shows that the discussions in the meeting concerned also EU/EEA

(see for example the sentence: "Sales are maintained in the markets of the

Americas, but there are difficulties in the European market") and that,

consequently, agreements even primarily focused on Turkey were also

concluded with a view to stabilizing prices in Europe overall (see the sentence

"The market prices are confused by the low prices especially for the Turkish

market").

(564) Further, Toshiba claims that from the autumn of 2003 onwards, the evidence in

the Commission’s file suggests that the discussions shifted to the Turkish

market as regards pricing and in support of its claim Toshiba gives examples of

1298

See Recitals (304), as well as Recitals (312)-(314).

1299

[…]

1300

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1301

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1302

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […] reply to the Statement of Objections, 28-29/381; […]

reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1303

[…]

1304

[…]

1305

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1306

[…]

EN 178 EN

a small number of meetings where Turkey was allegedly the main focus

1307

However, as explained in Recital (402), there is evidence that sometimes

Turkish prices were used as a proxy for the European customers. In Recital

(409) it is also explained why CPT producers from 2003 increasingly discussed

Turkish production and the Turkish market. Contrary to Toshiba's statement,

this does not mean that from 2003 the cartel did not concern the rest of Europe

any longer. The evidence in Section 4.3.3 clearly shows that EEA continued to

be included in the collusion.

(565) [Party to the proceedings] argues that the Commission wrongly asserts that

Turkish prices would have served as a proxy for the European prices and points

to the meeting of 21 November 2003. However, the evidence concerning this

meeting shows that two agreements were reached, one for Turkey and another

one for the rest of Europe. [Party to the proceedings] argues, however, that the

mere fact that Turkish prices were referenced in that specific second

arrangement relating to Europe does not imply that Turkish prices had an effect

on European prices in the absence of a specific agreement. According to [party

to the proceedings], this is further demonstrated by [party to the proceeedings']

reaction at the 9 January 2004 meeting, where it denied having made any

general agreement with respect to Europe as well as the Commission's notes at

Recitals 358, 387 and 393 of the Statement of Objections (relating to the

meetings of 4 December 2003, 9 February 2005 and 19 September 2005) that in

three meetings following the one held on 21 November 2003, participants

discussed Europe "beside discussing Turkey", thereby implying that discussions

relating to Turkey and those relating to Europe were separate.

(566) Samsung's argument with reference to the meeting of 21 November 2003 cannot

be accepted. As explained in Recital (402), Turkish prices influenced European

prices and at that meeting the participants agreed that all products and all other

customers should have prices higher than those in Turkey. The purpose of

Samsung's reaction during the meeting on 9 January 2004, as explained in

Recitals (420) and (421) above, was to downplay the arrangements reached

before in very difficult market conditions. As for Samsung's argument that the

discussions relating to Turkey and those relating to Europe were separate, it is

noted that the documents simply appear to show a chronology of the discussions

and that it is clear that both areas were discussed in same meetings. The minutes

of the three meetings given by Samsung as examples, as described in Recitals

(407), (441) and (447), clearly show that Turkey and the rest of Europe were

discussed at these meetings and it is clear from the minutes of the meeting of 21

November 2003 that the parties' intention was to use Turkish prices as a proxy

for Europe.

(567) Finally, Technicolor argued during the oral hearing that the discussions in the EU

would have been almost exclusively focused on Turkish buyers, but later on in

reply to questions during the hearing specified that an important percentage of

Turkish production was meant for the EU market and that therefore there was an

indirect link to or impact on the EU. […] Thomson did not detail the documents

that allegedly would confirm its claim, as it had previously done in an attempt to

support other claims […]. A review of the evidence […] shows that the

1307

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections […].

EN 179 EN

documents, while they often refer to Turkey, also separately refer to Europe

1308

Hence, if Europe was to mean Turkey it is illogical that the documents refer in

parallel to both geographic areas. The evidence referred to in Section 4.3.3 also

clearly disproves Technicolor's claim. Instead, the EEA sales were subject to the

cartel and during the cartel period there were significant sales of CPTs to

customers located inside the EEA.

4.3.4.8. Economic arguments on geographic and product scope of the CPT cartel and on an

EU anti-dumping case

Parties' arguments

(568) Several parties have also submitted economic arguments to support their claims

that both the geographic and product scope of the CPT cartel would be narrower

and that there would be distinct geographic and product markets which should

delineate the infringement to a narrower scope.

(569) Samsung, Toshiba and Panasonic/MTPD argue that the geographic scope was

only European-wide (EEA or EU15). Samsung submits

1309

that, during the

arrangement, the CPTs imported into the EEA would have represented on

average about 10% of the total EU demand, only a limited number of Asian

producers were active in Europe and vice versa, that there were import barriers

such as customs duties and that the prices in Europe were substantially higher

than in Asia due to higher production costs. It also submits that the

arrangements for CPT were organised at an EEA level, which, according to

Samsung, would confirm the regional dimensions of the CPT business.

(570) According to Toshiba

1310

, producers' shares of worldwide production were

unstable especially for jumbo CPTs indicating that there was competition

between producers and that the level of imports was relatively small in

aggregate and for most types of CPTs, suggesting that import competition from

Asian based producers and production units was low.

(571) Panasonic/MTPD submits that the European market was protected by high tariffs,

that prices in Europe and Asia were different and evolved in a different

manner

1311

and that, consequently, it would be unlikely that same identical price

guidelines would have applied to both regions

1312

. Panasonic/MTPD

1313

submits, on the basis of a data analysis of large CPT sizes of its own products

for the period 2003-2006, that price guidelines set at Asian meetings did not

have a significant impact on the price of CPTs sold in the EEA. According to

Panasonic/MTPD, since the prices of large CPTs sold by MTPD in Asia and

Europe were different and evolved in a different way over time, price guidelines

set at the meetings in Asia were not implemented in the EEA by MTPD and the

1308

See for example […]: In this document dated 8 June 2004 [Name] of […] reports on Glass meetings

with [name] of Samsung and [name] mentioning imports to Europe and production in European states.

See […]: In this document from year 2005 [name] reports on Glass meeting and speaks about European

production and sales data.

1309

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1310

[…] submission of 13 April 2010, […].

1311

In support to this claim, […] submits a Study by RBB Economics. […] reply to the Statement of

Objections, […].

1312

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1313

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 180 EN

alleged agreements concerning MTPD’s prices in Asia are unlikely to have had

an effect on European prices, and that no systematic relationship between

MTPD’s prices in Asian and Europe existed.

(572) As regards the product scope, Toshiba submits

1314

that CPTs are differentiated

products varying by size, specification, frequency, configuration, technology,

technical characteristics concerning the deflection yoke, the mask, phosphorous

coating and are difficult to cartelise. Toshiba argues that small/medium and

large/jumbo CPTs were in separate product markets which were, on the other

hand, wider than CPTs as they faced competition from LCD and plasma

screens. Samsung

1315

also argues that different sizes and types represent

separate relevant products.

Assessment of parties' arguments

(573) As regards the geographic scope of the infringement, it is not required in a cartel

case to define the relevant geographic market in the same manner as in a merger

procedure or when assessing an abuse of a dominant position

1316

. There is an

obligation to define the market in a Decision only where it is impossible,

without such a definition, to determine whether the arrangement is liable to

affect trade between Member State and has as its object or effect the prevention,

restriction or distortion of competition within the common market

1317

. For

instance, according to the existing case law, if the actual object of an agreement

is to restrict competition by "market sharing", it is not necessary to define the

geographic markets in question precisely, provided that actual or potential

competition on the territories concerned was necessarily restricted, whether or

not those territories constitute "markets" in the strict sense

1318

(574) Furthermore, it has been established (see Recital (120)) on the basis of

documentary evidence that the cartel attempted to maintain a price gap between

products of the same sizes marketed in Europe and in Asia (see for example

Recitals (251)-(253), (264)-(267), (338)-(340) and Section 4.3.4.2). More

particularly in Recital (252) reference is made to documents that spell out that

the Asian prices were used as a proxy when the European price level was

discussed and price fixing arrangements reached and that the cartel members

1314

[…] submission of 13 April 2010, […].

1315

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1316

Case T-29/92, SPO and Others v Commission, [1995] ECR II-289, paragraph 74, and Joined cases

Cases T-25/95, T-26/95, T-30/95, T-31/95, T-32/95, T-34/95, T-35/95, T-36/95, T-37/95, T-38/95, T-

39/95, T-42/95, T-43/95, T-44/95, T-45/95, T-46/95, T-48/95, T-50/95, T-51/95, T-52/95, T-53/95, T-

54/95, T-55/95, T-56/95, T-57/95, T-58/95, T-59/95, T-60/95, T-61/95, T-62/95, T-63/95, T-64/95, T-

65/95, T-68/95, T-69/95, T-70/95, T-71/95, T-87/95, T-88/95, T-103/95 and T-104/95Cimenteries CBR

and Others v Commission ("Cement"), [2000] ECR II-491, paragraph 1093.

1317

Joined Cases T-374/94, T-375/94, T-384/94 and T-388/94, European Night Services and Others v

Commission, [1998] ECR II-3141, paragraphs 90–105, Case T-62/98, Volkswagen v Commission,

[2000] ECR II-2707, paragraph 230, and Case T-38/02, Groupe Danone v Commission, [2005] ERC II-

4407, paragraph 99.

1318

Case T-241/01, SAS v Commission, [2005] ECR II-2917, paragraph 99, Case T-213/00, CMA CGM and

Others v Commission (FETTCSA), [2003] ECR II-913, paragraph 206, and Case T-348/9,4 Enso

Española v Commission, [1998] ECR II-1875, paragraph 232. In addition, contrary to […] claim, the

unequivocal wording of footnote 977 of the Statement of Objections (footnote 1077 of this Decision)

cannot be interpreted in a way to form an acknowledgement by the Commission that it does not have

jurisdiction over the alleged anticompetitive behaviour.

EN 181 EN

strived to maintain a certain price gap between these regions reflecting

"geographic advantage" in relation to shipping costs (see for example the

meeting of 11 November 1999 discussed in Recitals (294)-(299) and (301)).

The subsequent charts from the meeting of 23 August 1999

1319

illustrate this as

they show the price gaps regarding 14'' and 20'' CPTs between the regions,

particularly Europe and Asia. These documents spell out that the CPT producers

aimed to "keep the reasonable price gap" and endeavoured to increase the

European price. This is confirmed by [party to the proceedings] who has

explained that, when prices in other regions outside Southeast Asia were out of

balance with prices in Southeast Asia, the cartel participants agreed to attempt

to bring those prices into alignment (see Recital (251)-(253)). Also Panasonic’s

argument that agreements concerning MTPD’s prices in Asia are unlikely to

have had an effect on European prices is not convincing, as abundant evidence

on the file shows that European prices were also discussed in Asian meetings

(see Section 4.3.4.2).

(575) As regards the product scope, the following is observed: the abundant

contemporaneous evidence on the file shows that, while certain meetings were

focused more on specific or various sizes in relation to certain arrangements that

were reached between the cartel members, there was an overall scheme that the

parties followed covering all sizes and types (or irrespective of sizes such as in

case of overall capacity figures). Hence, there was an overarching scheme

which included explicit agreements or concerted arrangements concerning

certain sizes of types of tubes with discussions on future behaviour and related

exchanges of sensitive information covering all sizes and types. (See also the

response to parties' arguments in Section 4.3.4.1, 4.3.4.2, 4.3.4.5, 4.3.4.6 and

5.2.2.2.) The evolution of the market and competitive situation had an impact

upon which sizes or types of CPT the cartel participants focused on in

coordination of their behaviour. In addition, price evolution is not as such

evidence of the infringement not taking place. The fact that the prices changed

over time does not change the fact that the cartel participants attempted – and

often succeeded – in agreeing upon prices.

(576) Samsung argues with reference to Commission Decisions in merger cases that the

Commission would have in practice tended to adopt a narrow product market

where the import penetration was below about 15%, where as in this case

imports from Asia to the EEA would have been on average 10%. Contrary to

Samsung's assertion, in most of the cases cited in the study submitted by

Samsung the market has been left open and the cases where the market has been

defined do not support the conclusion of a 15% benchmark. The analysis

submitted by Samsung fails to take into account the specific circumstances

prevailing in each market referred to in the study.

(577) It is also noted that according to the case-law, the impact of a cartel does not have

to be assessed at the level of one undertaking or even a group but at the level of

the cartel as a whole. The Court of Justice has indeed ruled that "the effects to be

taken into account in setting the general level of fines are not those resulting

from the actual conduct which an undertaking claims to have adopted, but those

1319

[…]

EN 182 EN

resulting from the whole of the infringement in which it had participated"

1320

. It

should therefore be concluded that a report which examines the impact of the

cartel on a single or few undertakings is irrelevant in this respect.

(578) Although there is no need to address parties' economic arguments further, it

should be noted that there seem to be numerous methodological problems due to

false hypotheses and assumptions. For instance, the economic arguments of

Samsung SDI, Panasonic/MTPD, Toshiba and Thomson are only based on

different fractions of the cartel period. Toshiba bases its presumption of separate

product markets on a SSNIP (small but significant non-transitory increase in

price) test comparing 14” CRTs with 30” CRTs as closest substitutes which

they are not. On the other hand, Toshiba includes in its market definition other

flat screen technologies. Screens of different technologies, but of the same size

do, however, appear not to be closest substitutes either and Toshiba itself

acknowledges that CRT is a quite a differentiated product where not only the

diameter of the screen is decisive.

(579) Contrary to Panasonic/MTPD’s arguments, it would not seem necessary for a

sophisticated worldwide cartel to have a unique set of prices applied to different

regions with different demand and supply factors. Its analysis merely deals with

the largest CPT sizes and only for a fraction of the cartel period. The data

analysed does not seem comparable as Asian data comprises also (and at the end

of the period analysed predominantly) data regarding replacement or repair

whilst European data only relates to new televisions. The analysis does not take

into account product differentiation and that the product mix may be different in

Asia and in Europe. Moreover, the applied price correlation analysis is subject

to positive and false negative results and is unreliable without further evidence.

Regarding the study Samsung has submitted to support its arguments on the

geographic scope, it is noted that the study used data for the Central-Eastern

European countries for the time period prior to their accession to the EU.

(580) Toshiba and LGE also allege that the Commission anti-dumping cases had an

influence on the scope of the cartel. According to Toshiba

1321

, it is only, in

particular, regarding small CPTs that there may have been some import

competition from a number of Asian producers prior to 2000. LGE

1322

submits

that the cartel did not affect Europe before the end of the 1990's as Philips had

launched an anti-dumping complaint against Asian CPT producers only in 1999

and submits that the Commission ultimately found that some Asian producers

were selling in Europe significantly below prices prevailing in their home

market which shows aggressive competition of Asian producers for business in

the EEA and which illustrates that there was not a positive price gap maintained

between Europe and Asia.

(581) The fact that an anti-dumping complaint was launched, in itself, does not lead to

the conclusion that the cartel did not affect Europe, be it until the moment when

the complaint was launched or thereafter. The parties’ other conclusions from

1320

Commission v Anic Partecipazioni SpA, paragraph 152.

1321

[…] Recitals 69-77.

1322

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 183 EN

the Commission’s anti-dumping proceedings of 1999/2000

1323

are not

convincing either, as these proceedings led to the imposition of a definitive anti-

dumping duty on imports of certain CPTs originating in India and Korea on the

basis of limited available facts as none of the exporting producers from these

countries had cooperated with the Commission in the course of the anti-

dumping investigation.

1324

Under such circumstances, contrary to what LGE

claims, the outcome of the proceedings cannot even hint at, as is alleged,

aggressive competition in the business or at import competition only limited to

small CRT sizes, respectively. Nor do the findings in that anti-dumping case

under such conditions contradict the finding in this case that the collusion also

aimed at maintaining a certain price gap between Europe and Asia. The

Commission’s 2006 anti-dumping proceedings, which notably did not lead to

the imposition of anti-dumping duties, equally do not support the arguments put

forward by the parties

1325

5. APPLICATION OF ARTICLE 101 OF THE TREATY AND ARTICLE 53 OF THE EEA

AGREEMENT

5.1. The Treaty and EEA Agreement

5.1.1. Relationship between the Treaty and the EEA Agreement

(582) The arrangements described in Section 4 above applied at worldwide level or at

least EEA wide level covering thus the entire EEA territory. They were

therefore liable to affect competition in the whole of the common market and

the territory covered by the EEA Agreement.

(583) The EEA Agreement, which contains provisions on competition analogous to the

Treaty provisions, came into force on 1 January 1994.

(584) Insofar as the arrangements affected competition in the Common Market and trade

between Member States, Article 101 of the Treaty is applicable. Article 53 of

the EEA Agreement is applicable insofar as the arrangements affected

competition in the territory covered by that Agreement and trade between the

Contracting Parties to that Agreement.

1323

These proceedings led to the adoption of two regulations: Regulation (EC) No 837/2000 and Regulation

(EC) No 2313/2000. The provisional anti-dumping duty applied for 6 months. Regulation (EC) No.

2313/2000 terminated the proceedings as regards Lithuania, Malaysia and China and released the

amounts secured by way of the provisional anti-dumping duty on imports from these countries. Most of

the amounts secured by way of the provisional anti-dumping duty on imports from India and Korea

were collected by Regulation No. 2313/2000.

1324

See in particular Recitals 16 and 21 of Regulation (EC) No. 837/2000 and Recitals 16 and 20 and

Article 1 of Regulation (EC) No. 2313/2000.

1325

The Commission had found that the sales volume of CPT TVs peaked in the EU as late as in 2004, and

that the drop in demand in 2005 due to the developments in the field of flat screens was sustained since

then, see Commission Decision No. 2006/781/EC terminating the anti-dumping proceeding concerning

imports of cathode-ray colour television picture tubes originating the People’s Republic of China, the

Republic of Korea, Malaysia and Thailand, OJ L 316, 16.11.2006, p. 18, in particular Recitals 111-116.

[…] itself submits that the 2006 proceedings „concluded that import competition was not responsible

for the significant decline in prices which had been experienced in 2005 but rather … ‘the injury could

be significantly attributed to the effects of a sudden and strong decline in demand and the increased

availability of flat panel technology at competitive prices’”, […].

EN 184 EN

5.1.2. Jurisdiction

5.1.2.1. Principles and application to this case

(585) In this case the Commission is the competent authority to apply both Article 101

of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement on the basis of Article 56 of

the EEA Agreement, since the cartel had an appreciable effect on trade between

Member States. In addition, it should be noted that the Community rules on

competition apply to undertakings situated outside the EC territory, even though

these undertakings have no subsidiaries situated within the EC territory.

(586) The fact that some of the undertakings concerned, at the time of the infringement,

were based outside the Community does not rule out the applicability of both

Article 101 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement to them, as for

these provisions to be applicable it suffices that the anti-competitive conduct in

question affects trade within the Community and the EEA

1326

(587) The application by the Union of its competition rules is governed by the

territoriality principle as a universally recognised principle of international law.

In this respect, the Court of Justice established in the Woodpulp case that the

decisive factor in the determination of the applicability of Article 101 of the

Treaty in cases where the participants of a cartel are seated outside the Union is

whether the agreement, decision or concerted practice was implemented within

the Union.

1327

More specifically, the Court of Justice observed in that case that

the producers were selling directly into the Union and were engaging in price

competition in order to win orders from the customers, thereby constituting

competition within the Union. Therefore, the Court of Justice stated that, where

those producers concert on the prices to be charged to their customers in the

Union and put that concertation into effect by selling at prices which are

actually coordinated, they are taking part in a concertation which has the object

and effect of restricting competition within the internal market within the

meaning of Article 101 of the Treaty.

1328

The Court of Justice also stated that an

infringement of Article 101, such as the conclusion of an agreement which has

had the effect of restricting competition within the internal market, consists of

conduct made up of two elements: the formation of the agreement, decision or

concerted practice and the implementation thereof. If the applicability of the

prohibitions laid down under Union competition law were made to depend on

the place where the agreement, decision or concerted practice was formed, the

result would be to give undertakings an easy means of evading those

prohibitions. The decisive factor is therefore the place where the agreement,

decision or concerted practice is implemented.

1329

Accordingly, the jurisdiction

of the Union to apply its competition rules to such conduct is covered by the

territoriality principle.

1330

1326

Joined Cases C-89/85, C-104/85, C-114/85, C-116/85, C-117/85 and C-125/85 to C-129/85, Ahlström

Osakeyhtiö and Others v Commission ('Woodpulp'), [1988] ECR 5193.

1327

Joined Cases C-89/85, C-104/85, C-114/85, C-116/85, C-117/85 and C-125/85 to C-129/85, Ahlström

Osakeyhtiö.

1328

Ibid., paragraph 13.

1329

Ibid., paragraph 16.

1330

Ibid., paragraph 18.

EN 185 EN

(588) The General Court supplemented that test by establishing that the rules of Union

competition law (in that case, Council Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89 of 21

December 1989 on the control of concentrations between undertakings

1331

, the

first Merger Regulation) are applicable if the conduct at issue has immediate,

foreseeable and substantial effect in the Union.

1332

5.1.2.2. Assessment of parties' arguments

(589) Regarding the CPT cartel, Toshiba considers that Article 101 of the Treaty does

not apply to SML and ASEAN meetings because there was neither an object nor

an effect of prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the

internal market. According to it, only infringements which each individually

violate Article 101 of the Treaty can be linked to a single and continuous

infringement. Hence, Toshiba claims that neither SML nor ASEAN meetings

were violations of Article 101 and cannot be therefore part of a single and

continuous infringement of Article 101

1333

(590) As already mentioned in Recitals (568)-(572), Samsung submits

1334

that, during

the arrangement, the CPTs imported into the EEA would have represented on

average about 10% of the total EU demand, only a limited number of Asian

producers were active in Europe and vice versa, that there were import barriers

such as customs duties and that the prices in Europe were substantially higher

than in Asia due to higher production costs. It also submits that the

arrangements for CPT were organised at an EEA level, which, according to

Samsung, would confirm regional dimension of the CPT business. Likewise,

Panasonic/ MTPD submits

1335

that the European market was protected by high

tariffs, prices in Europe and Asia were different and evolved in a different

manner, that no systematic relationship between MTPD’s prices in Asian and

Europe existed and that therefore the alleged agreements concerning MTPD’s

prices in Asia are unlikely to have had an effect on European prices. According

to Toshiba

1336

, the level of imports was relatively small in total and for most

types of CPTs, suggesting that import competition from Asian based producers

and production units was low.

(591) Moreover, LGE and Panasonic/MTPD claim that they had only marginal sales to

the EEA as compared to their overall sales of CRTs. LGE submits

1337

that it had

a limited European presence and Panasonic/MTPD points out

1338

that MTPD

was a fringe player (with a market share of some 5%). Panasonic/ MTPD

highlights also that the Statement of Objections does not contain any analysis

that captive sales outside the EEA imported in the EEA via transformed

1331

OJ L 395, 30.12.1989, p. 1.

1332

Case T-102/96, Gencor Ltd v Commission, [1999] ECR II-753, paragraph 90.

1333

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1334

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1335

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. In support to this claim, […] submits a Study by RBB

Economics. […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1336

[…].

1337

[…] letter of 25 August 2011, […]refers to the Commission decisions in cases Heat Stabilisers

(COMP/38589) and Candle Waxes (COMP/39181).

1338

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 186 EN

products have any appreciable effect on competition or intra-community trade

as required by the Javico case law

1339

(592) In this case, it can be established that both the CDT and the CPT cartel

arrangements related to sales of CDTs and CPTs without geographical

limitations. Regarding the georaphic scope of the CPT cartel, which Toshiba

contests, it was shown in Section 4 that, while cartel discussions were taking

place both in Asia and Europe there was no separation between the geographic

areas. On the contrary, the cartel had world wide scope and the European cartel

contacts emerged as an extension of what initially started as purely Asian cartel

contacts, with top meetings continuing to be held in Asia.

(593) In line with the criteria set by the Court of Justice in the Woodpulp case, the

Commission has jurisdiction to establish an infringement in this case where

CRT suppliers established in third countries concerted on the prices and sales

volumes (via market share, capacity and sales coordination) impacting their

customers in the EEA and put that concertation into effect in their sales to those

customers. Even when the cartel arrangements were formed outside the EEA,

the cartel participants, through their sales into the EEA or measures impacting

their sales to the EEA (specifically market sharing and capacity and sales

limitation), implemented their agreements and concerted practices relating to

the EEA.

(594) Even if the main focus of some arrangements would not have been Europe,

Europe was in many ways impacted by the cartel arrangements. For the CDT

cartel, it is uncontested that it impacted the EEA. As for the CPT cartel, as

shown in Recitals (250)-(254) and stressed in Recitals (478)-(490), (524)-(526),

(528) and (516)-(518), European cartel contacts emerged as an extension of

what initially started in Asia and European and Asian cartel contacts were

interconnected in many ways. Moreover, as explained in Recitals (478)-(490),

(512) and (516)-(518), the scope of cartel meetings including the SML and

ASEAN meetings was broader than Asia. First, it is noted in particular that

world wide information and future plans

1340

, including information on European

production

1341

and customers

1342

, were discussed in all types of meetings,

including SML or ASEAN

1343

. In that respect, agendas and charts of some

meetings, including SML or ASEAN

1344

, show that information on Europe was

part of the multilateral collusive contacts. Hence, the meetings in Asia took into

account the situation in Europe and had an influence on it. Moreover, as

explained in Recitals (127) and (128), SML and ASEAN meetings are the

follow up and evolution of the Asian meetings, replacing those since around

autumn 2002.

1339

Case C-306/96, Javico v Yves Saint Laurent, [1998] ECR I-1983. […] comments of 29 August 2011

regarding the methodology of setting of fines, […].

1340

See, for example, the SML meeting of 19 May 2005 […], see Recital (418).

1341

See, for example, SML meeting of 13 March 2006 […], see Recital (418).

1342

See, for example, ASEAN meeting of 16 March 2004 […], see Recital (427): "Japan, Europe and U.S.

customers are the most difficult for price increase".

1343

See, for example, SML meeting of 12 June 2006 […], see Recital (452).

1344

See, for example, Recitals (441), (444) and (447).

EN 187 EN

(595) The evidence on the CPT cartel also shows clearly that the interconnection and

equilibrium between Asian and European prices was an important issue in the

market

1345

and therefore in the collusive discussions, including those in SML or

ASEAN meetings

1346

. Finally, the European situation was explicitly discussed

and analysed even in Asia during both bilateral

1347

and multilateral meetings,

including SML or ASEAN

1348

. In these meetings, parties exchanged

individualised data on their future intentions or reached agreements on

European production capacities

1349

, supply

1350

and demand

1351

or prices

1352

Therefore, it is concluded that the CPT cartel, like the CDT cartel, was

implemented concerning Europe and that such implementation took place

through direct sales of CPT and direct sales of CPT through transformed

products in the EEA (that is, the Direct EEA Sales and the Direct EEA Sales

Through Transformed products, see Recital (1020)).

(596) It is therefore artificial to split SML and ASEAN meetings from the other former

or simultaneous CPT cartel contacts, with the aim of claiming that Article 101

does not apply. Accordingly, the arguments that SML and ASEAN meetings

had no appreciable effect on trade between Member States or that those parts of

CPT agreements were not implemented in Europe, can not be sustained. As

discussed in Recitals (658) to (688), the SML and ASEAN meetings were part

of a wider single and continuous infringement including cartel contacts both in

Europe and in Asia. This single and continuous infringement had the effect of

restricting competition within the internal market, through fixing prices or

limiting capacity, production or sales. The parties of the CPT cartel aimed to

"keep the reasonable price gap" between identical products marketed in the

EEA and Asia and aimed at increasing the European price

1353

. Therefore,

insofar as the single and continuous infringement violates Article 101 of the

Treaty and Article 53 of EEA Agreement, so do all of the individual collusive

arrangements that form part of it.

(597) As a consequence, the cartel contacts concerned by this Decision had immediate,

foreseeable and substantial effect in the Union in the sence of the Gencor

case

1354

. First, the infringement immediately affected the EEA since the cartel

arrangements directly influenced the setting of prices and setting of volumes of

CRTs delivered to the EEA either directly or through transformed products. In

the EEA there was some production of CDTs and substantial production of

CPTs by a number of cartel members. At the same time both CDTs and CPTs

were also sourced and shipped directly from the production facilities of the

1345

See Recital (251). See, for example, ASEAN meeting of 18 May 2004 […], see Recital (418).

1346

See, for example, SML meeting of 12 December 2005 […] and Recitals (418) and (449).

1347

See, for example, bilateral exchange between [Philips/LGE joint venture] and MTPD of 8 July 2005

[…], see footnote 1074 .

1348

See, for example, meetings of 10 February 2003 […], see Recital (387) or of 24 July 2003 […], see

Recital (395).

1349

See, for example, SML meeting of 10 November 2006 […], see Recital (418).

1350

See, for example, ASEAN meeting of 29 April 2005 […], see Recital (418).

1351

See, for example, SML meeting of 6 May 2004 […], Recital (418).

1352

See, for example, SML meeting of 26 September 2005 […], see Recital (418).

1353

See, for example, the charts of the meeting of 23 August 1999 […], Recitals (250), (278) and

footnote717.

1354

Case T-102/96, Gencor, paragraph 90.

EN 188 EN

cartel members in other parties of the world to the EEA

1355

. Second, the effect

on the EEA was foreseeable as the cartelised prices and volumes were to have

evident consequences on the conditions of competition both between the CRT

producers and at the downstream level. Parties did not only collude on prices,

but also implemented in particular coordinated output limitation that limited

available supplies to the EEA from factories in the EEA and from outside the

EEA. The immediate and foreseeable effects on the EEA were also present in

the case of integrated suppliers like Philips, LGE, Toshiba and Panasonic,

including the deliveries of their respective joint ventures to the parent

companies. As confirmed by the General Court in Cartonboard, even if the

price resulting from a cartel is not always or not in its entirety passed on to

intra-group customers, the competitive advantage deriving from this positive

discrimination does foreseeably influence competition on the market.

1356

Intra-

group sales of CRTs – in as far as they ended up into transformed products sold

in the EEA – are therefore to be taken into account, just like intra-cartel sales in

the EEA. Finally, the effect of both the CDT and the CPT cartel was substantial

due to the seriousness of the infringement, the long duration and the role of the

parties on the European market for both CRTs and for transformed products.

(598) As regards parties' arguments regarding the low level of EEA sales as compared

to their overall sales of CRTs, it should be noted that, for the purpose of

establishing jurisdiction, all that matters is whether the cartel as a whole was

implemented and had immediate, foreseeable and substantial effects in the EEA.

It is irrelevant whether those effects were limited for a given party, in a given

period of time, as compared to the world-wide effects of the cartel. In any event,

the parties had significant Direct EEA Sales and Direct EEA Sales Through

Transformed Products.

(599) In conclusion, the Commission has jurisdiction to apply both Article 101 of the

Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA agreement (on the basis of Article 56 of the

EEA Agreement) to both the CDT and the CPT cartel.

5.2. Application of the relevant competition rules

5.2.1. Application of Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement

(600) Article 101(1) of the Treaty prohibits as incompatible with the common market all

agreements between undertakings or concerted practices which may affect trade

between Member States and which have as their object or effect the prevention,

restriction or distortion of competition within the common market, and in

particular those which directly or indirectly fix purchase or selling prices or any

other trading conditions, limit or control production and markets, or share

markets or sources of supply.

(601) Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement (which is modelled on Article 101(1) of the

Treaty) contains a similar prohibition. However the reference in Article 101(1)

to trade “between Member States” is replaced by a reference to trade “between

contracting parties” and the reference to competition “within the common

1355

In their replies to the Commission request for information of 19 January 2009 the following parties

have confirmed the sources of their deliveris to the EEA: […]

1356

Case T-304/94, Europa Carton AG v Commission [1998] ECR 869, paragraphs 111-131.

EN 189 EN

market” is replaced by a reference to competition “within the territory covered

by the … [EEA] Agreement”.

5.2.2. The nature of the infringement

5.2.2.1. Agreements and concerted practices

Principles

(602) Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement prohibit

anti-competitive agreements between undertakings, decisions of associations of

undertakings and concerted practices.

(603) An agreement, within the meaning of Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article

53(1) of the EEA Agreement, can be said to exist when the parties adhere to a

common plan which limits or tends to limit their individual commercial conduct

by determining the lines of their mutual action or abstention from action in the

market. It does not have to be made in writing; no formalities are necessary, and

no contractual sanctions or enforcement measures are required. The agreement

may be express or implicit in the behaviour of the parties. Furthermore, it is not

necessary, in order for there to be an infringement of Article 101 of the Treaty,

for the participants to have agreed in advance upon a comprehensive common

plan. The concept of agreement in Article 101(1) of the Treaty would apply to

the inchoate understandings and partial and conditional agreements in the

bargaining process which lead up to the definitive agreement.

1357

(604) In its judgment in Limburgse Vinyl Maatschappij NV and others v Commission

(PVC II)

1358

, the Court of First Instance of the European Communities stated

that “it is well established in the case law that for there to be an agreement

within the meaning of Article [101(1)] of the Treaty it is sufficient for the

undertakings to have expressed their joint intention to behave on the market in a

certain way”

1359

(605) Although Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement

draw a distinction between the concept of “concerted practices” and

“agreements between undertakings”, the object is to bring within the

prohibition of those Articles a form of coordination between undertakings by

which, without having reached the stage where an agreement properly so-called

has been concluded, they knowingly substitute practical cooperation between

them for the risks of competition

1360

(606) The criteria of coordination and cooperation laid down by the case-law of the

Court of First Instance and the Court of Justice of the European Communities,

1357

Case T–9/99 Holding für Fernwärmetechnik Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH Vo. KG (HFB) and Others v

Commission [2002] ECR II–1487, paragraphs 196 and 207.

1358

Joined Cases T–305/94 T-306/94, T-307/94, T-313/94 to T-316/94, T-318/94, T-325/94, T-328/94, T-

329/94 and T-335/94, Limburgse Vinyl Maatshcappij N.V. and others v Commission (PVC II), [1999]

ECR II–931, paragraph 715.

1359

The case-law of the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance in relation to the interpretation of

Article 101 of the Treaty applies equally to Article 53 of the EEA Agreement. See Recitals No 4 and 15

as well as Article 6 of the EEA Agreement, Article 3(2) of the EEA Surveillance and Court Agreement,

as well as Case E–1/94 of 16.12.1994, Recitals 32–35. References in this text to Article 101 therefore

apply also to Article 53.

1360

Case C-48/69 Imperial Chemical Industries Ltd. v Commission, [1972] ECR 619, paragraph 64.

EN 190 EN

far from requiring the elaboration of an actual plan, must be understood in the

light of the concept inherent in the provisions of the Treaty relating to

competition, according to which each economic operator must determine

independently the commercial policy which he intends to adopt in the common

market.

(607) While it is correct to say that the requirement of independence does not deprive

economic operators of the right to adapt themselves intelligently to the existing

or anticipated conduct of their competitors, it does, none the less, strictly

preclude any direct or indirect contact between such operators by which an

undertaking may influence the conduct on the market of its actual or potential

competitors or disclose to them its decisions or intentions concerning its own

conduct on the market where the object or effect of such contact is to create

conditions of competition which do not correspond to the normal conditions of

the market in question, regard being had to the nature of the products or services

offered, the size and number of the undertakings involved and the volume of

that market.

1361

(608) Thus conduct may fall under Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the

EEA Agreement as a concerted practice even where the parties have not

explicitly subscribed to a common plan defining their action in the market but

knowingly adopt or adhere to collusive devices which facilitate the coordination

of their commercial behaviour

1362

. Furthermore, the process of negotiation and

preparation culminating effectively in the adoption of an overall plan to regulate

the market may well also (depending on the circumstances) be correctly

characterised as a concerted practice.

(609) Although in terms of Article 101(1) of the Treaty the concept of a concerted

practice requires not only concertation but also conduct on the market resulting

from the concertation and having a causal connection with it, it may be

presumed, subject to proof to the contrary, that undertakings taking part in such

a concertation and remaining active in the market will take account of the

information exchanged with competitors in determining their own conduct on

the market, all the more so when the concertation occurs on a regular basis and

over a long period. Such a concerted practice is caught by Article 101(1) of the

Treaty even in the absence of anti-competitive effects on the market

1363

(610) Moreover, it is established case-law that the exchange, between undertakings, in

pursuance of a cartel falling under Article 101(1) of the Treaty, of information

concerning their respective deliveries, which not only covers deliveries already

made but is intended to facilitate constant monitoring of current deliveries in

1361

Joined Cases C-40 to C-48, C-50, C-54 to C-56, C-111, C-113 and C-114/73, Suiker Unie and Others v

Commission [1975] ECR 1663, paragraphs 173 and 174. Case C-8/08, T-Mobile Netherlands and

Others, [2009] ECR I-4529, paragraph 33.

1362

Case T–7/89 Hercules Chemicals v Commission, [1991] ECR II–1711, paragraphs 255–261 and Case

T-279/02 Degussa AG v Commission, [2006] ECR II-897, paragraph 132.

1363

Case C–199/92 P Hüls AG v Commission, [1999] ECR I–4287, paragraphs 158–167.

EN 191 EN

order to ensure that the cartel is sufficiently effective, constitutes a concerted

practice within the meaning of that Article

1364

(611) A concerted practice pursues an anti-competitive object for the purpose of Article

101(1) of the Treaty where, according to its content and objectives and having

regard to its legal and economic context, it is capable in an individual case of

resulting in the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the

common market. It is not necessary for there to be actual prevention, restriction

or distortion of competition or a direct link between the concerted practice and

consumer prices. An exchange of information between competitors is tainted

with an anti-competitive object if the exchange is capable of removing

uncertainties concerning the intended conduct of the participating undertakings.

Depending on the structure of the market, the possibility cannot be ruled out

that a meeting on a single occasion between competitors may, in principle,

constitute a sufficient basis for the participating undertakings to concert their

market conduct and thus successfully substitute practical cooperation between

them for competition and the risks that that entails. The number, frequency, and

form of meetings between competitors needed to concert their market conduct

depend on both the subject-matter of that concerted action and the particular

market conditions. What matters is not so much the number of meetings held

between the participating undertakings as whether the meeting or meetings

which took place afforded them the opportunity to take account of the

information exchanged with their competitors in order to determine their

conduct on the market in question and knowingly substitute practical

cooperation between them for the risks of competition. In so far as the

undertaking participating in the concerted action remains active on the market in

question, there is a presumption of a causal connection between the concerted

practice and the conduct of the undertaking on that market, even if the concerted

action is the result of a meeting held by the participating undertakings on a

single occasion.

1365

(612) In the case of a complex infringement of long duration, it is not necessary for the

Commission to characterise the conduct as exclusively one or other of the forms

of illegal behaviour referred to in this Section. The concepts of agreement and

concerted practice are fluid and may overlap. The anti-competitive behaviour

may well be varied from time to time, or its mechanisms adapted or

strengthened to take account of new developments. Indeed, it may not even be

possible to make such a distinction, as an infringement may present

simultaneously the characteristics of each form of prohibited conduct, while

when considered in isolation some of its manifestations could accurately be

described as one rather than the other. It would, however, be artificial

analytically to sub-divide what is clearly a continuing common enterprise

having one and the same overall objective into several different forms of

infringement. A cartel may therefore be an agreement and a concerted practice

1364

See, to that effect, Case T–147/89, Société Métallurgique de Normandie v Commission, [1995] ECR II-

1057, Case T–148/89 Trefilunion SA v Commission, [1995] ECR II-1063, and T–151/89, Société des

treillis et panneaux soudés v Commission, [1995] ECR II-1191, respectively, paragraph 72.

1365

Case C–8/08 T-Mobile Netherlands, paragraphs 43,5 to 61.

EN 192 EN

at the same time. Article 101 of the Treaty lays down no specific category for a

complex infringement of the type involved in this case

1366

(613) In its judgment in PVC II

1367

, the Court of First Instance stated that “[i]n the

context of a complex infringement which involves many producers seeking over

a number of years to regulate the market between them, the Commission cannot

be expected to classify the infringement precisely, for each undertaking and for

any given moment, as in any event both those forms of infringement are covered

by Article [101] of the Treaty”.

(614) An agreement for the purposes of Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of

the EEA Agreement does not require the same certainty as would be necessary

for the enforcement of a commercial contract in civil law. Moreover, in the case

of a complex cartel of long duration, the term “agreement” can properly be

applied not only to any overall plan or to the terms expressly agreed but also to

the implementation of what has been agreed on the basis of the same

mechanisms and in pursuance of the same common purpose, as well as to the

measures designed to facilitate the implementation of price initiatives

1368

. As the

Court of Justice, upholding the judgment of the Court of First Instance, pointed

out in Commission v Anic Partecipazioni SpA, it follows from the express terms

of Article 101 of the Treaty that an agreement may consist not only of an

isolated act but also of a series of acts or continuous conduct: "it would be

artificial to split up such continuous conduct, characterised by a single purpose,

by treating it as consisting of several separate infringements, when what was

involved was a single infringement which progressively manifested itself in both

agreements and concerted practices"

1369

(615) The organisation of meetings or providing services relating to anti-competitive

arrangements

1370

may also be prohibited under certain conditions according to

the jurisprudence of the CFI. In its judgement in AC Treuhand

1371

, the CFI

states that "it is sufficient for the Commission to show that the undertaking

concerned attended meetings at which anticompetitive agreements were

concluded" and that "the Commission must prove that the undertaking intended,

through its own conduct, to contribute to the common objectives pursued by the

participants as a whole and that it was aware of the substantive conduct

planned or implemented by other undertakings in pursuance of those objectives,

or that it could reasonably have foreseen that conduct and that it was ready to

accept the attendant risk".

(616) It is also well-established case-law that “the fact that an undertaking does not

abide by the outcome of meetings which have a manifestly anti-competitive

purpose is not such as to relieve it of full responsibility for the fact that it

participated in the cartel, if it has not publicly distanced itself from what was

1366

Case T–7/89 Hercules, paragraph 264.

1367

Joined Cases T–305/94, T-306/94, T-307/94, T-313/94 to T-316/94, T-318/94, T-325/94, T-328/94, T-

329/94 and T-335/94, Limburgse Vinyl Maatschappij (PVC II), paragraph 696.

1368

Case T–7/89 Hercules, paragraph 256.

1369

Case C–49/92 P Commission v Anic Partecipazioni, paragraph 81.

1370

Such as checking deviations and monitoring compliance facilitating the implementation of the

agreements.

1371

Case T-99/04, AC Treuhand AG v Commission,[2008] ECR II-1501, paragraphs 122, 127 and 130.

EN  193    EN 
agreed in the meetings"
1372
. Such distancing should have taken the form of an 
announcement by the company, for example, that it would take no further part 
in the meetings (and therefore did not wish to be invited to them). 
Application to this case 
(617)  It is  demonstrated  in  the facts  described in  Section 4  of this  Decision  that  the 
undertakings  subject  to  this  Decision  were  involved  in  collusive  activities 
concerning CDT and CPT. 
(618)  As already indicated above (see Recitals  (108)  and (119)), the objective of the 
anti-competitive arrangements was to fix prices in the CPT and CDT markets, 
respectively.  This  was  achieved  through  agreements  on  target  prices,  price 
ranges, price increases and/or minimum prices (see for example Recitals (109), 
(120), (144),  (147)-(149),  (151)-(155),  (159)-(163),  (165)-(170),  (171),  (173), 
(191)-(192), (194), (195),  (197)-(199),  (205)-(206),  (231),  (234)-(237),  (258), 
(271), (274), (277), (289), (290), (292), (296), (299), (302), (329), (333), (337), 
(352), (363), (364), (368)-(370), (372)-(377), (381)-(382), (384)-(386),  (390)-
(391),  (394)-(395),  (398)-(401),  (404),  (407),  (426)-(427),  (437)-(439)).  The 
price agreements were subsequently monitored (see for example Recitals (146), 
(149), (151), (161), (164), (166), (169), (193), (196), (200)-(201), (231), (237), 
(271), (273), (274)-(278), (302), (328), (332), (337), (341), (342), (345), (346), 
(348), (350), (353)). 
(619)  Moreover,  in  particular  concerning  CDTs,  the  arrangements  consisted  of 
agreements relating to  overall market shares  and/or  market  shares  relating  to 
particular customers (see for example Recitals (110), (217)-(221), (224), (240), 
(266),  (275),  (297)-(299),  (360),  (370),  (387),  (407),  (420)).  These  examples 
show  that  explicit  agreements  on market  shares  were  reached  also  regarding 
CPTs. Regular monitoring of the agreed upon market shares took place (see for 
instance Recital (223)). 
(620)  Additionally,  in  particular  concerning  CDTs,  the  arrangements  consisted  of 
agreements  regarding  output  restrictions in  the  course  of  meetings  and  other 
contacts and auditing the compliance with the agreed upon restrictions. The aim 
of the output restrictions was not only to reduce oversupply but also to achieve 
the agreed upon target prices and market shares (see for example Recitals (111), 
(161), (176)-(177), (180)-(182),  (209),  (210),  (211)-(214), (216),  (242)-(246), 
(266)-(267),  (271),  (358),  (424)-(426),  (441)).  These  examples  show  that 
explicit agreements on output limitation were reached also regarding CPTs. The 
output  limitation  agreements  were  subject  to  monitoring  (see  for  example 
Recitals (179), (181), (183)-(184), (210), (246), (271), (273)).  
                                                
 
1372
  See, for example, Case T-334/94 Sarrio SA v Commission, [1998] ECR II-1439, paragraph 118, Case 
T–141/89 Tréfileurope Sales v Commission [1995] ECR II–791, paragraph 85; Case T–7/89 Hercules, 
paragraph 232; Joined Cases T-25/95, T-26/95, T-30/95, T-31/95, T-32/95, T-34/95, T-35/95, T-36/95, 
T-37/95, T-38/95, T-39/95, T-42/95, T-43/95, T-44/95, T-45/95, T-46/95, T-48/95, T-50/95, T-51/95, 
T-52/95, T-53/95, T-54/95, T-55/95, T-56/95, T-57/95, T-58/95, T-59/95, T-60/95, T-61/95, T-62/95, 
T-63/95, T-64/95, T-65/95, T-68/95, T-69/95, T-70/95, T-71/95, T-87/95, T-88/95, T-103/95  and T-
104/95,  Cimenteries  CBR  and  Others  v  Commission  [2000]  ECR II–491,  paragraph  1389;  Case  T–
329/01 Archer Daniels Midland v Commission [2006] ECR II-3255, paragraph 247; and Case T–303/02 
Westfalen Gassen Nederland NV v Commission [2006] ECR II-4567, paragraphs 138–139. 

EN 194 EN

(621) Finally, numerous elements of the illicit arrangements can also aptly be

characterised as a concerted practice. As part of the collusive scheme, the

participants discussed the future pricing, capacity, output and demand as well as

exchanging information on these factors (see for example Recitals (112), (122),

(187), (226), (248), (255), (262)-(264), (288)-(289), (276), (304)-(319), (327),

(408), (413)-(414), (331), (333)-(337), (341), (343)-(344), (347), (351), (355),

(357), (363), (364)-(366), (369), (371), (378)-(379), (387)-(389), (392)-(393),

(397), (403), (424), (427)-(436), (443)-(449), (451), (453)). While the evidence

shows the existence of explicit agreements, the discussions and exchanges of

information allowed the producers both to monitor compliance with the agreed

behaviour and to jointly plan future prices, output, market shares and customer

allocation. Furthermore, on those occasions, where explicit agreements were not

concluded, the discussions referred to in these Recital as well as the information

exchanges allowed the producers monitor their competitors' actions and adjust

their own market behaviour accordingly.

(622) The undertakings concerned adhered to a common plan which limited their

individual commercial conduct by determining the lines of their mutual action

or abstention from action in the market. Their behaviour had therefore all the

characteristics of an "agreement" and/or "concerted practice" within the

meaning of Article 101(1) of the Treaty.

(623) It is concluded that, in line with the case–law referred to in Recitals (602) to

(616), the behaviour of the undertakings concerned can be characterised, for

both CDT and CPT, as a complex infringement consisting of various actions

which can either be classified as an agreement or concerted practice, within

which the competitors knowingly substituted practical cooperation between

them for the risks of competition. It can be presumed, according to the case-law,

that the participating undertakings have taken account of the information

exchanged with competitors in determining their own conduct on the market, all

the more so because the bilateral and multilateral concertation occurred on a

regular basis over nine years for CDT and nearly nine years for CPT. According

to the case-law, such a behaviour is caught by Article 101(1) of the Treaty and

the Commission does not have to show anti-competitive effects on the market.

(624) Overall, the Commission considers that the complex of anti-competitive

arrangements in this case present all the characteristics of an agreement and/or a

concerted practice in the sense of Article 101 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the

EEA Agreement.

Assessment of parties' arguments

(625) In their reply to the Statement of Objections both Toshiba

1373

and Samsung

1374

argue, regarding a number of cartel contacts, that these lack the elements of an

agreement or a concerted practice in violation of Article 101.

(626) Technicolor

1375

and Panasonic

1376

claim that their part in the conduct under

investigation was limited and that they did not play a leading role. Moreover,

1373

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1374

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1375

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1376

Including MTPD; […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 195 EN

Technicolor invokes frequent references in the Statement of Objections to its

own role as price maverick

1377

. In the same vein, Panasonic highlights that it did

not implement the cartel agreements

1378

(627) Finally, Toshiba

1379

claims that it distanced itself from the cartel. In particular, it

refers to "exculpatory evidence" that the Statement of Objections would not

have duly taken into account by which Toshiba refers to its interpretation of the

meeting reports on the Commission's file. Toshiba refers in this context also to

[an annex to] Toshiba's reply to the Statement of Objections, especially to […]

[explanation] that, after the meeting of 3 December 1997, he informed [CPT

producer] that he would never attend any further meeting and that Toshiba's

headquarter had told the subsidiary, [CPT producer] not to attend such

meetings.

(628) First, both Toshiba and Samsung's claims regarding specific cartel contacts are

already addressed above, in particular in Recitals (462)-(470), (478)-(490),

(496)-(511), (516)-(518), (521)-(523), (524)-(526), (528), (531)-(534), (542)-

(554), (557)-(560) and (561)-(566).

(629) More generally, as shown in Sections 4.3.2 and 4.3.3 for CDT and CPT cartels

respectively and as is discussed further in Recitals (658)-(673), the agreements

and concerted practices concerned formed part of systems of regular meetings

and other anticompetitive contacts that formed a series of efforts made in the

pursuit of a single anticompetitive objective. Thus, it would be artificial to split

up such continuous conduct, characterised by a single anticompetitive purpose,

by treating it as a number of separate infringements when, on the contrary, what

was involved was a single infringement which progressively manifested itself

both in the form of agreements and in the form of concerted practices.

(630) According to the case-law

1380

, it is sufficient for the Commission to show that the

undertaking concerned participated in meetings or other contacts at which anti-

competitive agreements were concluded, without manifestly opposing them, to

prove to the requisite standard that the undertaking participated in the cartel. In

that respect, the evidence in Section 4.3.3 established for the CPT cartel that

each undertaking adhered to the cartel arrangement as a whole by attending

meetings, by exchanging information or by other kinds of contacts with

competitors and could not ignore that its individual behaviour was part of a

wider infringement. That evidence proves sufficiently the agreement of those

undertakings to the overall cartel. Hence, there is no need to specifically

distinguish amongst all the meetings involved those in which an anticompetitive

agreement or an anticompetitive concerted practice could have been treated as a

separate infringement.

(631) Furthermore, it is settled case-law that subject to proof to the contrary, which the

economic operators concerned must adduce, the presumption must be that the

undertakings taking part in the concerted action and remaining active on the

1377

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1378

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1379

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1380

See, for instance, Case T-452/05, Belgian Sewing thread NV (BST) v. Commission, [2010] ECR II-

1373, paragraph 37.

EN 196 EN

market take account of the information exchanged with their competitors for the

purposes of determining their conduct on that market

1381

. In this regard, it is

therefore not necessary that the undertaking entirely or partly implements the

agreement or concerted practice, but it suffices that it uses the knowledge

obtained during the anticompetitive contacts when setting its own commercial

policy.

(632) According to settled case-law, collusive arrangements can be restrictive by object

even if the parties had other motives or pursued their own interests in entering

into those arrangements. An undertaking which despite colluding with its

competitors follows a more or less independent policy on the market may

simply be trying to exploit the cartel for its own benefit

1382

(633) Under settled case-law, a party which even tacitly approves of an unlawful

initiative, without publicly distancing itself from its content or reporting it to the

administrative authorities, effectively encourages the continuation of the

infringement. That complicity constitutes a mode of participation in the

infringement and is capable of rendering the undertaking liable.

1383

(634) Even if undertakings played only a passive role (or a minor role) in some aspects

of the infringement this would not be material to the establishment of the

existence of an infringement on their part.

1384

According to the settled case-law,

the mere fact of receiving information concerning competitors, which an

independent operator preserves as business secrets, is sufficient to demonstrate

the existence of an anti-competitive intention.

1385

(635) Consequently, the arguments that Thomson and Panasonic adduce, that they did

not attend all meetings or were price mavericks which did not implement the

price agreements made with other CPT producers are not relevant. Moreover, as

shown in Sections 4.3.3 and 4.3.4, Thomson

1386

and Panasonic/MTPD

1387

clearly limited their individual commercial conduct by colluding with other

CPT producers. Therefore, their behaviour had all the characteristics of a full

"agreement" and "concerted practice" within the meaning of Article 101(1) of

the Treaty. The number of meetings attended

1388

or the role played

1389

are

1381

Case C-199/92 P, Hüls, paragraph 162.

1382

See to that effect Case T-59/02 Archer Daniels Midland Co v. Commission, [2006] ECR II-3627,

paragraph 189.

1383

See to that effect Joined Cases C-204/00P C-205/00P, C-211/00P, C-213/00P, C-217/00P and C-

219/00P Aalborg Portland A/S and Others v. Commission (Cement II), [2004] ECR I-123, paragraph

84.

1384

Joined Cases C-204/00P, C-205/00P, C-211/00P, C-213/00P, C-217/00P and C-219/00P Aalborg

Portland(Cement II), paragraph 86.

1385

Joined Cases T-202/98, T-204/98 and T-207/98, Tate & Lyle and Others v Commission, [2001] ECR

II-2035, paragraph 66, and Case T-53/03 BPB plc v Commission, [2008] ECR II-1333, paragraph 154.

1386

See, for instance, Recitals (363), (426), (539)-(541).

1387

See, for instance, Recitals (256), (283), (284), (374), (542)-(552).

1388

See, for instance, Case T-385/06 Aalberts Industries NV and Others v Commission, [[2001] ECR II-

1223, paragraph 89: "the fact that an undertaking did not participate in all aspects of a cartel is not

relevant to the establishment of the existence of an infringement with regard to that undertaking. That

factor must be taken into consideration only when the gravity of the infringement is assessed and if and

when it comes to determining the amount of the fine".

1389

See, for instance, Case T-452/05, BST, paragraph 32: "the fact that the roles played by various

undertakings in pursuit of a common objective were different does not cancel out the fact that the anti-

EN 197 EN

without relevance in this respect. Nor is whether the arrangements were

implemented or not

1390

relevant, as long as noneof these undertakings has

publicly distanced themselves from the content of the cartel.

(636) Finally, as already stressed in Recitals (493), (496)-(503) and (509)-(511), the

evidence does not show that Toshiba had distanced itself from the cartel and

proves on the contrary that Toshiba received information and was part of the

collusive agreements

1391

. Then, regarding the [annex to Toshiba's reply to the

Statement of Objections], according to the case-law, the value of evidence

alleged to be exculpatory evidence may diminish, for example, because it was

made late, at the initiative of the defendants and manifestly for the purposes of

legal proceedings, which had already started

1392

. In that respect, Recital (547)

highlights the lack of credibility to be granted to [annex to Toshiba's reply to the

Statement of Objections], which is not corroborated by any contemporaneous

evidence. Moreover, the [annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement of

Objections refers to] December 1997, but is contradicted by Toshiba's further

participation in cartel meetings and contacts, including its involvement in the

cartel, including by means of exchange of sensitive information that related to

its future behaviour. Hence, the [annex to Toshiba's reply to the Statement of

Objections]cannot challenge the other factual elements taken into account in

this Decision.

5.2.2.2. Single and continuous infringement

Principles

(637) A complex cartel may under certain conditions be viewed as a single and

continuous infringement for the time frame in which it existed. The Court of

First Instance pointed out, among other things, in the Cement cartel case that the

concept of "single agreement" or "single infringement" presupposes a complex

of practices adopted by various parties in pursuit of a single anti-competitive

economic aim.

1393

The agreement may well be varied from time to time, or its

competitive objective, hence the infringement, was the same, provided that each undertaking has

contributed, at its own level, to the pursuit of the common objective".

1390

See, for instance, Case T-377/06, Comap SA v. Commission, [2011] ECR II-1115, paragraphs 98 and

99: "non-compliance with a cartel does not in any way alter the fact of its existence. In the present case,

it cannot be concluded therefore that the applicant ended its participation in the infringement during

the period at issue, merely because the applicant used the cartel for its own benefit, while failing to

adhere fully to the prices that had been agreed. Cartel members remain competitors, each of whom can

be tempted, at any time, to profit from the discipline of the others in relation to the prices agreed by the

cartel by lowering its own prices with the aim of increasing its market share, while maintaining a

general level of pricing that is relatively high. In any event, the fact that the applicant did not entirely

implement the agreed prices does not mean that, in so doing, it applied the prices that it would have

charged in the absence of the cartel".

1391

See also Recitals (561)-(564) and (490)-(503).

1392

See, for instance, Case T-54/03, Lafarge SA v Commission, [2008] ECR II-120, paragraph 509; Case T-

59/02, Archer Daniels Midland, paragraphs 277 and 290, and Opinion of Advocate General Kokott,

delivered of 8 December 2005 in Case C-105/04 P, Nederlandse Federatieve Vereniging voor de

Groothandel op Elektrotechnisch Gebied v Commission,[2006] ECR I-8725, paragraph 28.

1393

Joined Cases T-25/95, T-26/95, T-30/95, T-31/95, T-32/95, T-34/95, T-35/95, T-36/95, T-37/95, T-

38/95, T-39/95, T-42/95, T-43/95, T-44/95, T-45/95, T-46/95, T-48/95, T-50/95, T-51/95, T-52/95, T-

53/95, T-54/95, T-55/95, T-56/95, T-57/95, T-58/95, T-59/95, T-60/95, T-61/95, T-62/95, T-63/95, T-

64/95, T-65/95, T-68/95, T-69/95, T-70/95, T-71/95, T-87/95, T-88/95, T-103/95 and T-104/95,

Cimenteries (Cement), paragraph 3699.

EN 198 EN

mechanisms adapted or strengthened to take account of new developments. The

validity of this assessment is not affected by the possibility that one or more

elements of a series of actions or of a continuous course of conduct could

individually and in themselves constitute an infringement of Article 101 of the

Treaty.

(638) It would be artificial to split up such continuous conduct, characterised by a single

objective, by treating it as consisting of several separate infringements, when

what was involved was a single infringement which progressively manifested

itself in both agreements and concerted practices.

1394

(639) The Court of First Instance has specified that in order for infringements to be

treated as one it is required that they are complementary in nature and have a

single objective. Different objectives implemented by dissimilar methods lead

to the conclusion that infringements must be treated as separate infringements of

Article 101 of the Treaty and not as a single and continuous infringement.

1395

(640) Although a cartel is a joint enterprise, each participant in the arrangement may

play its own particular role. One or more may exercise a dominant role as

ringleader(s). Internal conflicts and rivalries, or even cheating may occur, which

will, however, not prevent the arrangement from constituting an agreement or

concerted practice for the purposes of Article 101 of the Treaty where there is a

single common and continuing objective.

(641) The mere fact that each participant in a cartel may play the role which is

appropriate to its own specific circumstances does not exclude its responsibility

for the infringement as a whole, including acts committed by other participants

but which share the same unlawful purpose and the same anti-competitive

effect. An undertaking which takes part in the common unlawful enterprise by

actions which contribute to the realisation of the shared objective is equally

responsible, for the whole period of its adherence to the common scheme, for

the acts of the other participants pursuant to the same infringement. That is

certainly the case where it is established that the undertaking in question was

aware of the unlawful behaviour of the other participants or could have

reasonably foreseen, or been aware of, it and was prepared to take the risk

1396

(642) Although Article 101 of the Treaty does not refer explicitly to the concept of

single and continuous infringement, it is settled case-law of the Courts that “an

undertaking may be held responsible for an overall cartel even though it is

shown that it participated directly only in one or some of the constituent

elements of that cartel, if it is shown that it knew, or must have known, that the

collusion in which it participated was part of an overall plan and that the

overall plan included all the constituent elements of the cartel”

1397

1394

Case T–1/89, Rhône-Poulenc, paragraphs 125–126.

1395

Joined Cases T-101/05 and T-111/05, BASF AG and UCB SA v Commission, [2007] ECR II-04949,

paragraphs 179 and 209.

1396

Case C-49/92, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraph 83.

1397

Cases T-147/89, T-295/94, T-304/94, T-310/94, T-311/94, T-334/94, T-348/94, Buchmann v

Commission, Europa Carton v Commission, Gruber + Weber v Commission, Kartonfabriek de

Eendracht v Commission, Sarrió v Commission and Enso Española v Commission, paragraphs 121, 76,

140, 237, 169 and 223, respectively. See also Case T-9/99, HFB, paragraph 231

EN 199 EN

(643) The fact that an undertaking concerned did not participate directly in all the

constituent elements of the overall cartel cannot relieve it of responsibility for

the infringement of Article 101 of the Treaty. Such a circumstance may

nevertheless be taken into account when assessing the seriousness of the

infringement which it is found to have committed. Such a conclusion is not at

odds with the principle that the responsibility for such infringements is personal

in nature, nor does it neglect individual analysis of the evidence adduced, in

disregard of the applicable rules of evidence, or infringe the rights of defence of

the undertakings involved.

(644) In fact, as the Court of Justice stated in Commission v Anic Partecipazioni

1398

, the

agreements and concerted practices referred to in Article 101(1) of the Treaty

necessarily result from collaboration by several undertakings, who are all co-

perpetrators of the infringement but whose participation can take different forms

according, in particular, to the characteristics of the market concerned and the

position of each undertaking on that market, the aims pursued and the means of

implementation chosen or envisaged. It follows, as reiterated by the Court of

Justice in the Cement cases, that an infringement of Article 101 of the Treaty

may result not only from an isolated act but also from a series of acts or from

continuous conduct. When the different actions form part of an "overall plan",

because their identical object distorts competition within the common market,

the Commission is entitled to impute responsibility for those actions on the

basis of participation in the infringement considered as a whole.

1399

Application to this case

(645) The evidence referred to in this Decision shows the existence of a single and

continuous infringement in respect both CDT and CPT for at least the following

periods:

– CDT: from 24 October 1996 to 14 March 2006;

– CPT: from 3 December 1997 to 15 November 2006.

(646) The undertakings participating in each separate infringement expressed their joint

intention to behave on the market in a certain way and adhered to a common

plan to limit their individual commercial conduct in relation to both CDT and

CPT:

– As for CDT, the collusion was in pursuit of a single anti-competitive economic

aim: to fix prices, allocate market shares and customers and restrict output (see

Recitals (108)-(112)).

– With regard to CPT, the economic aim was to fix prices, allocate market shares

and restrict output (see Recitals (119)-(122)).

(647) Furthermore, regarding both CDTs and CPTs cartel contacts took place between

the same undertakings, and often the same individuals who made regular

1398

Case C-49/92, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraphs 78 to 81, 83 to 85 and 203.

1399

Joined Cases C-204/00 P, C-205/00 P, C-211/00 P, C-213/00 P, C-217/00 P and C-219/00 P Aalborg

Portland A, paragraph 258. See also Case C-49/92, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraphs 78 to 81, 83 to 85

and 203, and Joined Cases T-101/05 and T-111/05 BASF, paragraphs 159 to 161.

EN 200 EN

contact through meetings, telephone calls and emails over a continuous period

of time.

(648) The Commission considers that, regarding both CDTs and CPTs all cartel

members continued to show their adherence to the cartel arrangements by

participating in the cartel activities or at least by not distancing themselves from

them. The cartel members continued to show their adherence to the cartel

arrangements by communicating both orally and in writing.

(649) Accordingly, in this case, the conduct in question constitutes two separate

infringements, each constituting, respectively, a single and continuous

infringement of Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA

Agreement.

(i) Distinction between CDT and CPT infringements

(650) The Commission considers that the complex of agreements and/or concerted

practices in relation to CDT and CPT constitutes two separate infringements.

Each of these two infringements, constitutes a single and continuous

infringement, one concerning CDT and one CPT.

(651) The two infringements are linked in a number of ways. First, the collusive

arrangements shared the common objective of fixing prices above normal

competitive levels. Second, the collusive arrangements were to some extent

implemented by similar methods. The collusive arrangements in both products

were not spontaneous or haphazard developments but planned and structured;

the collusive arrangements were planned, conceived and directed at the most

senior levels in the undertakings; the collusive arrangements were structured in

formal and hierarchical levels of management; the meeting agendas followed

largely the same pattern in both infringements; information exchange formed an

integral part of the collusive arrangements; and agreements were monitored in

both collusive arrangements.

(652) Nevertheless, there are a number of reasons why the two infringements must be

considered as separate. The two products and, consequently, the market

conditions were inherently different. The geographic regions where CDT and

CPT were produced differed from one another

1400

. This was also reflected in the

fact that for CPT, cartel meetings were also organised in Europe. The customers

for the two products were largely different (see Recital (86)). CDT and CPT

were produced on different production lines and the evidence shows that the

conversion of the production lines in most cases took place from CPT to CDT

but hardly ever vice versa

1401

. Equally, the market development for CDT and

CPT took different paths. Being substituted by LCD, CDT demand declined

earlier than CPT demand. The different market development in the two products

was, in turn, reflected in the fact that the effective durations of the two

infringements are different.

(653) Additionally, the scope of the arrangements in the two infringements was different

with respect to some key features. In particular, output limitation and

1400

In this respect, see […] which submits among other things that the production of CDT became

centralised in Asia more quickly than for CPT.

1401

[…]

EN 201 EN

monitoring was at the forefront especially in the CDT cartel. While there is

recurrent evidence of output limitation arrangements in CPT (see for example

Recitals (264), (424) and (433)), the focus of the arrangements was more on

price fixing. In the CDT cartel, on the other hand, output restriction went even

deeper than in the CPT cartel, including also plant visits to monitor compliance,

and it continued until the very end of the arrangements (see for example

Recitals (180)-(182), (209)-(217)). The same can be said about market share and

customer allocation. Certain recurrent arrangements to divide the markets by

market share and customer allocation are documented regarding CPT (see for

example Recital (387)) whereas regarding CDT these arrangements were an

inherent part of the everyday operation of the cartel (see for example Recitals

(155), (216)-(224), (241)).

(654) Moreover, a number of dissimilar methods between the two infringements can be

identified as regards the implementation of the arrangements

1402

. In the first

place, apart from the early beginnings of the infringements, the two

arrangements were implemented in separate meetings and contacts (see Recital

(137)). The collusive arrangements were structured somewhat differently for

CDT and CPT. By way of example, the CDT cartel consistently throughout the

cartel had a clear, hierachical structure divided into Top Meetings and

Management meetings. Whereas for CPT, it appears that towards the end of the

cartel the distinction between top level and management level meetings was

phased out. The representatives attending the CDT and CPT meetings were

largely different, the only exception being the Top Meetings in which the top

management of each company participated. Another difference between the two

arrangements was that the meetings in the CPT cartel were more irregular than

in the CDT cartel (CDT cartel meetings were typically held monthly, sometimes

even weekly, whereas the CPT cartel meetings were most of the time held

quarterly).

(655) Finally, as regards CDT, the cartel contacts took place in Asia and the decisions

taken by the cartel concerned the whole world. As for the CPT cartel, contacts

took place in Europe and in Asia.

(656) There is no evidence supporting the conclusion that there was an overarching

scheme that would bind the two infringements together. While the objective of

the infringement was the same – to fix prices – and the top management

participated in the high level meetings, there is no evidence suggesting an

overall plan or coordination of the various schemes by the undertakings

involved. The infringements arose as a reaction to particular market

circumstances. In fact, both cartels could – and did – function separately and

independently from one another. The distinction between CDT and CPT cartels

is not contested by the parties.

(657) Given the links which exist between the two infringements (see Recital (651)), the

Commission considers it appropriate to treat in one and the same procedure the

complex of agreements and concerted practices covering both CDT and CPT.

The treatment of separate infringements under a single procedure does not

1402

See also […] which identifies a number of differences as regards the scope and the organisation of the

arrangements.

EN 202 EN

imply in any way that the various cartels are considered a single infringement.

Furthermore, the Commission has considered the arrangements with respect to

each product and has identified the participants in each of the infringements.

Whilst some of the undertakings to which this Decision is addressed are

unconnected with some of the infringements, the Decision allows each

addressee to obtain a clear picture of the complaints made against it

1403

(ii) Assessment of parties' arguments related to the single and continuous infringement as

regards CPT

(658) The CPT cartel constituted one single and continuous infringement. More

particularly, the cartel contacts in both Asia and in Europe were carried out in

pursuit of a single anti-competitive economic aim: to fix prices, allocate market

shares and restrict output. The restrictions imposed on Asian imports in Europe

on certain CPT sizes lead to specific economic conditions in Europe where most

manufacturers also had production facilities (see Recitals (125), (130)).

However, Europe was not at all isolated from Asia.

(659) The collusive contacts in Europe and Asia were interlinked in that the participants

in each geographic area followed the CPT prices, production and capacities,

exchanged information and followed the collusive arrangements reached in the

other geographic area. Moreover, price decisions concerning one geographic

area were taken in another geographic area (see for example Recitals (131),

(250)-(253), (321), (295)-(297)). Finally, the same individuals occasionally

attended meetings with competitors both in Europe and in Asia (see Recital

(129)). Therefore, the collusion in Europe and in Asia could not – and did not –

function in isolation, but was interrelated.

(660) In arguing against the qualification of the collusive arrangements relating to CPT

as being part of a single and continuous infringement the parties are ignoring the

entire body of evidence relied upon by the Commission for the establishment of

the infringement as a whole

1404

. In line with the established case law, the

evidence of participation in a cartel must be assessed in its entirety, taking into

account all relevant circumstances of fact

1405

. It is true that the Commission

must produce sufficiently precise and consistent evidence to support the firm

conviction that the alleged infringement took place – a condition which is met in

the present case. However, it is important to emphasise that it is not necessary

for every item of evidence produced by the Commission to satisfy those criteria

in relation to every aspect of the infringement; it is sufficient if the body of

evidence relied on by the institution, viewed as a whole, meets that

requirement

1406

1403

Joined Cases C-40 to C-48, C-50, C-54 to C-56, C-111, C-113 and C-114-73, Suiker Unie, paragraph

111.

1404

Case T-337/94, Enso-Gutzeit, paragraph. 15.

1405

Joined Cases T-109/02, T-118/02, T-122/02, T-125/02, T-126/02, T-128/02, T-129/02, T-132/02 and T-

136/02, Bolloré, paragraph 155. See also the Opinion of Advocate General in Case T-1/89 Rhône-

Poulenc, joint Opinion in the Polypropylene judgments.

1406

Joined Cases T-109/02, T-118/02, T-122/02, T-125/02, T-126/02, T-128/02, T-129/02, T-132/02 and T-

136/02, Bolloré, para. 155 and Joined Cases T-67/00, T-68/00, T-71/00 and T-78/00, JFE Engineering

v Commission, [2004] ECR II-2501, paragraphs 179 and 180.

EN 203 EN

(ii) a. Product scope

(661) Toshiba argues that the Statement of Objections fails to take into account that

there were separate markets for various CPT sizes and technology types and,

correspondingly, only separate collusion for separate sizes or technologies

would have made sense for the undertakings involved

1407

. In the same vein,

Samsung claims that the Commission concludes at paragraphs 553-564 of its

Statement of Objections that one CPT cartel infringement exists while

throughout the Statement of Objections highlights that the arrangements focused

on certain types and sizes

1408

(662) However, as already stressed in Recitals (458) to (470), the meetings and contacts

encompassed various CPT sizes and commercially sensitive discussions in

respect of all CPT sizes and types. In that respect, information about many or all

sizes was discussed and exchanged in a significant number of meetings

1409

(663) Furthermore, it would be artificial to split the CPT infringement by focusing on

arrangements for certain sizes and types of CPTs without taking into account

the other features of the CPT cartel and the overall arrangements or information

exchanges. The multilateral and bilateral meetings and the different contacts and

exchanges must be assessed in their entirety. Certain meetings were focused

more on specific or various sizes in relation to certain arrangements, but there

was an overall scheme that was followed. The discussions and information

exchanges about pricing, production capacities, sales or demand planning

concerned CPTs overall […]

1410

[…]

1411

(664) Finally, although the focus of the cartel gradually shifted towards larger CPT

sizes, this was as a natural consequence of the CPT market development

1412

and

did not lead to any change in the overall pattern of the cartel as the parties

continued to include all CPTs in the cartel contacts. In particular, small size

CPTs were part of the agreement until its very end (see Recital (465)) and larger

sizes of over 21" were part of the cartel also in the earlier years (see Recital

(466)).

(ii) b. Geographic scope

(665) Toshiba submits that the CPT market was regional in nature, that the European

CPT market had also its own characteristics and that the Statement of

Objections asserted a worldwide market without any explanation

1413

. In the

same vein, Panasonic/MTPD claims that the CPT pricing was regional

1414

Technicolor considers that there was no overarching global cartel that included

all CPT manufacturers but rather separate, unrelated incidents of collusive

1407

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1408

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1409

See, for example, meetings of 25 March 1999 […], 26 October 2001 […], 10 February 2003 […], 28

May 2003 […], 25 – 27 March 2004 […], 15 March 2005 […] or 13 March 2006 […]. See also Recitals

(464)-(466).

1410

[…]

1411

[…]

1412

See Recital (322).

1413

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1414

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 204 EN

conduct with differing groups of participants

1415

and Samsung claims that the

geographic dimension of the CPT business was limited to Europe

1416

(666) Moreover, Panasonic/MTPD considers that the Statement of Objections fails to

show the complementary nature of the European and Asian scheme as required

by the BASF judgement

1417

. Instead, it argues that the Statement of Objections

presumes the link and relies on [a party's] "vague statements" which would

relate to a period before 2002. Panasonic/MTPD argues that to create the link,

the Statement of Objections simply refers to a single anticompetitive aim which

is not sufficient under the BASF standards, states that participants followed

arrangements in the other geographic areas which […] is erroneous

1418

, states

that prices for one region were agreed in the other one which would not be

correct and states that same individuals occasionally attended meetings both in

Europe and Asia, which is erroneous as regards Panasonic/MTPD as they did

not participate in any multilateral meetings

1419

(667) Finally, Samsung argues that the Commission can only catch, under the single and

continuous infringement notion, those aspects of the Asian arrangement which

specifically referred to European prices applied to specific types or sizes of

CPTs. According to it, the Commission could only conclude that the discussions

in Asia (which according to Samsung did not refer to Europe) had an effect in

Europe and were therefore part of a single and continuous infringement, if Asia

and Europe were indeed a part of one and the same geographic market.

Moreover, Samsung considers that there is no evidence that the regular

meetings in Europe were held in furtherance of the Asian arrangement, given

that the Commission only infrequently identifies information exchanges that

show a specific connection between the Asian and European CPT contacts and

that European-based CPT manufacturers were already meeting bilaterally and

multilaterally before 21 September 1999.

1420

(668) However, as already stressed in Recitals (478)-(490), (496), (499), (517), (518)

and (521)-(523), the Asian and European meetings and exchanges did not exist

in isolation. The topics of these arrangements and contacts in the CPT business

were the same and formed part of one overall world wide scheme to fix prices,

allocate market shares and restrict output, which was complemented by the

exchange of commercially sensitive information.

(669) The parties agreed upon and were engaged in extensive exchanges of

commercially sensitive information to conclude and monitor the arrangements.

Hence, these arrangements were strongly linked and interrelated.

(670) The parties continuously exchanged commercially sensitive information about the

global CPT market, namely about the global or worldwide market development,

1415

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1416

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1417

Joined cases T-101/05 and T-111/05, BASF, paragraph 180 and following.

1418

[…] referes to […] reply to the Commission request for information of 6 March 2009 where […]

submits that in the Asian meetings there were only general conversations about CPT market situation in

Europe and general exchanges of market intelligence denying specific discussions regarding clients in

Europe or prices in Europe.

1419

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1420

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 205 EN

capacities, present and planned production and future demand, prices and price

trends, supply and demand plans, sales results and plans, plants and production

lines

1421

. Hence, they were well aware of the prices, capacity and production

levels in every major geographic region. Following the information exchanges,

they proceeded to specific arrangements. Then, they followed and monitored

these arrangements in subsequent meetings as well as through the information

exchanges

1422

. In particular, there is evidence regarding the reporting of some

European subsidiaries to their Asian headquarters and vice versa about the

market situation and the cartel arrangements in Europe

1423

. Likewise,

participants in European meetings were aware of the outcome of meetings in

Asia

1424

(671) Furthermore, even if the main focus of the contacts in Europe and Asia were on

the respective regions, the arrangements concerning those regions were

interconnected in many ways. Parties discussed, compared and concerted on

production or on pricing to individual customers in Europe and compared the

prices in Europe and Asia. Those prices and production levels influenced over

each other. In that respect, as already mentioned in Recitals (478), (525)-(526)

and (528), parties discussed European prices in Asian meetings and Asian prices

in European meetings. Prices in Europe were monitored in relation to the

Southeast Asian pricing. Parties aimed to "keep the reasonable price gap"

1425

between identical products marketed in Europe and Asia and endeavoured to

increase the European price

1426

. They discussed and concerted on capacity

reductions in Asia that would facilitate the price increase efforts of the cartelists

in Europe and set worldwide target market shares and supply quotas

1427

. More

generally, the cooperation of Asian producers (for example output reductions

and import levels) was seen as essential for the price fixing in Europe

1428

. There

is also evidence of the impact of changes in production capacity in one

geographic region on the global CPT market

1429

(672) The undertakings party to the cartels were identical, even if, on the one hand,

some of the parties joined the cartel after it had started while others

discontinued their involvement due to different circumstances (discontinuation

or sales of the business) and, on the other hand, meetings were grouped

according to the sizes of the CRTs the different undertakings were producing or

selling. Some individuals participated in meetings both in Asia and in Europe or

were aware of the outcome of meetings in Asia and Europe

1430

1421

See, for example, meeting of 25 November 1999 […], meeting of 20 November 2001 […], meeting of 6

December 2002 […], meeting of 24 July 2003 […] and meeting of 6 May 2004 ([…].

1422

See Recital (478)(485).

1423

See, for example, Recitals (367) and (377).

1424

See, for example, Recitals (378)-(379).

1425

See charts of the meeting of 23 August 1999 […] and Recitals (481) and (486).

1426

See, for example, meetings of 23 August 1999 […], 27 October 1999 […] and 11 November 1999 […]

or Recital (301).

1427

See, for example, meetings in November 2002 […], meeting of 10 February 2003 […] and meeting of

30 May 2003 […].

1428

See Recital (486).

1429

See, for example, Recitals (412), (437) and (443).

1430

See Recitals (255) and (295).

EN 206 EN

(673) Finally, Samsung's reasoning based on the meeting of 21 September 1999 cannot

be followed. Indeed, the Commission pointed out in the Statement of Objections

that this meeting is the relevant starting date for Philips' participation in the

cartel, as it is the first documented meeting in a continuum of cartel contacts

which demonstrates its regular participation in cartel meetings. 21 September

1999 is not, however, a date from which CPT meetings in Europe began to take

place, as Samsung seems to suggest. That is confirmed by […] which refers to

meetings in Europe prior to 21 September 1999, while at the same time

meetings were also held in Asia. In any case, as stressed in Recital (499),

Europe was discussed and there were exchanges regarding production

capacities, supply and demand or prices concerning Europe both in Asian

bilateral and multilateral contacts even during the early period.

(ii) c. Separate arrangements per types of meetings and participants

(674) Toshiba considers that there was not a single and continuous infringement as the

Statement of Objections asserts but four separate arrangements: European

meetings, Asian meetings, SML meetings and ASEAN meetings

1431

. According

to it, each arrangement was unrelated to the others, given the different

participants, with only a few overlapping companies, different customers,

different methods, different periods of application, different products and

therefore no demand- and supply-side substitutability. Toshiba argues that the

arrangements were not complementary, but that Europe was isolated from Asia

and that there was neither interrelation nor an overall common plan in the

various arrangements but rather that the various arrangements had different

focus regarding the type of infringement, product and geographic scope. As a

consequence, it claims that there is no possibility to demonstrate a single and

continuous infringement.

(675) Therefore, Toshiba argues that only personal liability for direct involvement can

apply and that it cannot be held liable for EU Glass meetings or Asian Glass

meetings

1432

. In more detail, Toshiba claims that it is a minor player and that the

EU was never a strategic market for Toshiba, which always had a very limited

market share in EU and no production facility. Moreover, Toshiba considers

that it cannot be held liable for SML and ASEAN meetings because they do not

constitute a violation of Article 101

1433

(676) Furthermore, even if the four arrangements were part of a single and continuous

infringement, Toshiba highlights that it was not aware of EU Glass meetings,

never attended them, was not informed about them through the Asian meetings

as the Statement of Objections suggests and was focused on other sizes than

those discussed in EU Glass meetings. Toshiba continues that it was not even

aware of certain multilateral meetings in Asia. Equally, Toshiba states that it did

not contribute to the Asian Glass meetings, and while it was aware of them, it

expressly refused to participate and acted competitively.

(677) In the same vein, Toshiba claims that MTPD was not aware of the EU Glass

meetings, did not intend to contribute to them and never participated in

1431

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1432

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1433

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 207 EN

multilateral meetings. In that respect, it argues that some bilateral meetings did

not show awareness and willingness to contribute to the EU Glass meetings.

(678) Likewise, Panasonic claims that the requisite legal standard to hold it liable for

participation in the entire cartel is not met

1434

. It says that it participated in only

some bilateral meetings, but that it is not shown that it knew or should have

known about the overall cartel plan. According to it, the Statement of

Objections only lists the same individuals to support the allegations, which

cannot constitute evidence against either against Panasonic or MTPD, since they

never participated in any multilateral meetings in Europe (in the case of

MTPD). Panasonic also submits that, in Asia, MTPD exchanged publicly

available information on global capacity with competitors and that this is not

sufficient to bring the Asian agreements within the scope of EU competition law

by constructing a single and continuous infringement.

(679) Finally, Technicolor emphasises that it does not bear liability for the meetings

involving Chunghwa, as it claims to have never met with Chunghwa.

(680) However, as already stressed above, Toshiba's way of splitting the cartel

arrangements by geographic areas is artificial

1435

and partial

1436

. First of all,

Recitals (478)-(490), (496), (499), (517), (518) and (521)-(523) explain why the

meetings that occurred in Asia and in Europe were interconnected. As already

stressed in Recitals (127) and (128), the SML and ASEAN meetings were

simply an evolution of previous Asian meetings. They formed a single and

continuous infringement with European meetings and bilateral contacts, with

which they shared specific anticompetitive aims. In any case, Toshiba's

description of SML and ASEAN meetings is distorted and the documentary

evidence shows that the scope of those meetings was broader than just Asia

1437

A comparison between the four sets of meetings shows, contrary to the parties'

claims, their complementarity on the basis of the following relevant

elements.

1438

(681) First, regarding the types of restriction of competition involved, all three sets of

meetings in Asia as well as the meetings in Europe concerned amongst other

things price fixing and output or sales planning and involved exchange of

sensitive information.

(682) Second, the product scope was similar in all meetings, including SML and

ASEAN meetings. For instance in the ASEAN meetings of 18 May 2004

(Recital (418)) and 5 November 2004 (Recitals (418) and (437)-(438)) sizes

from 14" to 29" CPTs were discussed. The Asian meeting of 6 December 2002

(Recital (384)) and the SML meetings of 13 September 2004 (Recital (418)) and

15 March 2005 covered various CPT sizes from small to large. The meetings in

Europe discussed all CPT sizes. See for instance the meetings of 5 July 2001

and 25 October 2002 (Recitals (364) and (383)) where the 14", 20", and 21"

1434

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1435

See, in particular, Recital (589)-(590).

1436

See, in particular, Recital (493).

1437

See, in particular, Recital (512) and (516)-(518).

1438

Case T-446/05, Amann & Söhne and Cousin Filterie v Commission, [2010] ECR II-01255, paragraph

92.

EN  208    EN 
were discussed, the meeting of 16 February 2004 (Recitals (424)-(426)) where 
28"CPTs were discussed and the meeting of 19 September 2005 (Recital (447)) 
where medium and large size CPTs were discussed. The evidence shows that 
during the Glass meetings in Asia and Europe besides the small and medium 
sizes  the  larger  sized  CPTs  were  also  discussed  (see  for  examples  Recital 
(466)). The fact that the SML and ASEAN meetings as well as the European 
meetings during the last cartel period focused more on the larger CPT sizes is 
simply a consequence of the gradual shift of the market towards these sizes. 
(683)  Third, there is overlap regarding the geographic scope of the cartel discussions in 
various meetings. The evidence shows that the  Glass meetings in Asia  had a 
world  wide  scope  including  Europe,  that  was  continued  in  the  other  sets  of 
meetings in Asia, SML and ASEAN meetings. For example, the SML meeting 
of 6 May 2004 and the ASEAN meeting of 18 June 2004 (Recitals (434)-(436)) 
had a world wide scope. In addition, Europe was discussed several times during 
the Glass meetings in Asia (see for instance meetings of 3 December 1997, 25 
May 2000 or 20 November 2001 at Recitals (258)-(260), (337)-(340), (368)) as 
was the case in the later SML and ASEAN meetings. The evidence regarding 
the  SML  meeting  of  15  March  2005  (Recital  (442))  refers  to  the  general 
evolution of the European market as well as to specific situations and actions of 
the  participants  in  Europe  regarding  prices  and  volumes.  Similarly,  in  the 
ASEAN meeting of 5 November 2004 (Recital (437)-(438)) there is an express 
reference  to  future  prices  of  SDI  [subsidiary  in  Europe].  In  the  European 
meetings there are also references to Asia (see for instance the meeting of 11 
November 1999  or the  contact of 21  June 2002 (Recitals  (294)-(299), (301), 
(378)-(379)). 
(684)  Fourth, regarding the time period, SML and ASEAN meetings started and took 
place  around  the  same  time  period  (2002/2003-2005/2006),  even  though  the 
evidence shows that the SML meetings continued for another year after the last 
ASEAN  meetings  for  which  the  Commission  has  evidence.  The  SML  and 
ASEAN  meetings  were  a  continuation  of  the  Glass  meetings  held  in  Asia. 
Moreover, there is evidence regarding meetings in Europe from 1999 to 2005. 
This overlaps with the time period when the SML and ASEAN meetings took 
place. Also, the last pieces of evidence on the European and on the ASEAN 
meetings refer to the same time period.  
(685)  Fifth,  the  four  sets  of  meetings  involved  largely  the  same  participants. 
Specifically,  Samsung,  LGE  and  Philips  participated  in  all  four  types  of 
meetings,  the  latter  two  continued  the  participation  via  [Philips/LGE  joint 
venture]  after  the  transfer  of  their  CRT  businesses  to  [Philips/LGE  joint 
venture]. Chunghwa participated in all of those meeting types except the SML 
meetings.  Prior  to  the  MTPD  period,  Panasonic  and  Toshiba  were  involved 
mainly through bilateral contacts in the collusive exchanges and arrangements 
of world-wide scope reached in the European and Asian cartel contacts with the 
undertakings  participating  at  the  European  and  Asian  Glass  multilateral 
meetings. These bilateral meetings took place during the same time period as 
such multailateral meetings and  involved  the  same  type of arrangements  and 
information  exchange  on  volumes,  customers,  sales  and  prices  as  in  the 
multilateral  meetings  held  both  in  Europe  and  in  Asia.  Later  Toshiba  also 
participated in  multilateral  meetings  in  Asia.  After  the  transfer of  their  CRT 
business  to  MTPD  they  were  both  involved  through  MTPD  in  all  meetings. 

EN 209 EN

Thomson was involved in the European meetings, attended some Asian top

meetings and had bilateral contacts with a world-wide scope with all cartel

members.

(686) As for the earlier period of the infringement, and as already stated in Recitals […],

(499) and (542), there is evidence regarding Toshiba's participation in cartel

meetings. Toshiba maintained its contacts with competitors at bilateral level

until 2002 when it participated in multilateral meetings. The evidence shows

that Toshiba was aware of the overall arrangement, including its EEA scope

(see Recitals (287) and (502)). According to the case-law, these elements are

sufficient to hold Toshiba liable for the global single and continuous

infringement. The fact that Toshiba's business activity in Europe could be minor

and the lack of direct attendance by Toshiba or MTPD at European Glass

meetings are both irrelevant to the assessment of their respective involvement in

the infringement. Indeed, it is sufficient to point out that Toshiba participated in

a number of cartel meetings or other cartel contacts (first bilateral and later also

multilateral meetings) and that both Toshiba's and later MTPD's cartel contacts

covered amongst other regions also Europe

1439

(687) The same applies to Panasonic's arguments. First, the fact that it did participate

only in some multilateral meetings before creation of MTPD is not relevant,

taking into account that the multilateral meetings were not isolated but carried

out in parallel with bilateral contacts. Panasonic participated in cartel

arrangements via bilateral contacts

1440

, by means of frequent exchanges of

future, sensitive and confidential information with the other participating

undertakings. The documents of some of those bilateral meetings show that

explanations were given to Panasonic about agreements reached in the cartel

overall. For example in the meeting of 7 September 1999 "current price

increase was explained fully" to Panasonic referring to the price increase

initiative launched earlier that year. Taking into account the frequency and

content of the collusive contacts and information exchanges, the fact that

Panasonic was entering into discussions with and getting information from

different companies (see Recital (312)) and as the meeting of 7 September 1999

shows, it received information about specific cartel arrangements (see Recitals

(281) and (284)), Panasonic reasonably should have known that it was a part of

an overall cartel arrangement

1441

.This demonstrates that Panasonic could not

ignore that its behaviour was part of a wider cartel agreement. In that respect,

[evidence] state clearly that Panasonic avoided the multilateral meetings but

participated in the cartel through bilateral meetings and contacts

1442

. Contrary to

1439

See, in particular, Recitals (496), (497) and (542)-(552).

1440

See, in particular, Recitals (503) and (542).

1441

See also, for example, the meeting of 2 November 1999 […] with Samsung, during which Panasonic's

representative noted "5 Companies meeting, participate or not? – need to contact HQ". Contrary to

Panasonic/MTPD's claim in reply to the Statement of Objections […], this shows that it was aware of

multilateral meetings […].

1442

[…] Moreover, in the meeting of 12 April 2002, the participants (SDI, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

Toshiba) agreed to have a meeting every two months and declared that the next meeting would be held

in Japan. The summary of this meeting contains the following sentence: "MATSUSHITA will not join

this meeting, but agreed to cooperate with 3 companies through TOSHIBA" […]. Contrary to

Panasonic/MTPD's claim in reply to the Statement of Objections […], this shows that it was aware of

EN 210 EN

what Panasonic claims, and as already explained, the meetings in which MTPD

participated in Asia were broader than Asia and dealt with Europe. Furthermore,

the information exchanged went beyond public data and was both sensitive and

confidential.

(688) Finally, the link between the different types of meetings and the nature of the

large amount of information exchanged between competitors shows that

Thomson participated in the single and continuous infringement. Thomson's

claim that it has never met Chunghwa was rejected (see Recital (539)).

Thomson was also aware of the overall arrangement, including its EEA scope

(see Recital (248)-(254)). Hence, the fact that it did not attend all meetings or

meet regularly with all competitors involved does not exclude its responsibility

for the infringement as a whole, including acts committed by other participants

but which share the same unlawful purpose and the same anti-competitive effect

(see in more detail Recitals (641) to (644)).

5.2.3. Restriction of competition

5.2.3.1. Restriction of competition in this case

(689) The complex of agreements and/or concerted practices in this case had the object

and effect of restricting competition in the Community and the EEA.

(690) Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement expressly

include as restrictive of competition agreements and concerted practices

which

1443

(a) directly or indirectly fix selling prices or any other trading conditions;

(b) limit or control production, markets or technical development;

(691) These are the essential characteristics of each of the horizontal arrangements

under consideration in this case. Price being the main instrument of competition,

the various collusive arrangements and mechanisms adopted by the producers

were all ultimately aimed at an inflation of the price to their benefit and above

the level which would be determined by conditions of free competition. Market

sharing and price fixing by their very nature restrict competition within the

meaning of both Article 101 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA

Agreement.

(692) The arrangements have to be considered as a whole and in the light of the overall

circumstances, but the principal aspects of the complex of agreements and

concerted practices considered in this case which can be characterised as

restrictions of competition are:

(a) fixing of prices;

(b) market and customer sharing by allocation of sales volumes, customers and

market shares;

the overall cooperation plan of these three companies and that it cooperated in fact. This is further

confirmed by the meeting report of 10 February 2003 […].

1443

The list is not exhaustive.

EN 211 EN

(d) exchanging of commercially sensitive information; and

(e) monitoring of the implementation of restrictive arrangements.

(693) This complex of agreements and concerted practices had as their object the

restriction of competition within the meaning of Article 101 of the Treaty and

Article 53 of the EEA Agreement. They are described in detail in Section 4 of

this Decision..

(694) The anti-competitive object of the parties is also illustrated by the fact that they

took deliberate actions to conceal their meetings and to avoid detection of their

arrangements (see Recital (114)). By way of example, the participating

companies made efforts to avoid being in possession of anticompetitive

documents

1444

and they attempted to hide the illicit content of the contacts by

not taking minutes at all

1445

. Awareness of the illegality of such actions is

demonstrated by other documents indicating that the participating individuals

were aware of the illicit character of the contacts

1446

(695) In this case, the characteristics of each of the horizontal arrangements under

consideration constitute essentially price fixing (of which agreeing upon price

ranges, price increases or maintaining a certain price level are typical

examples), output restriction and market sharing by allocation of sales volumes,

customers and market shares. By planning common action on price initiatives,

the objective of the undertakings was to eliminate the risks involved in any

unilateral attempt to increase prices, notably the risk of losing market share,

since the cartel members were able to predict with a reasonable degree of

certainty what the pricing policy pursued by their competitors was going to

1447

. Prices being the main instrument of competition, the various collusive

arrangements and mechanisms adopted by the producers were all ultimately

aimed at inflating prices for their benefit and above the level which would be

determined by conditions of free competition. Furthermore, the participating

undertakings took account of information exchanged with competitors in

determining their own conduct on the market. In ceasing to determine

independently their policy in the market, the participating undertakings thus

undermined the concept inherent in the provisions of the Treaty relating to

competition

1448

(696) It is settled case-law that for the purpose of application of Article 101(1) of the

Treaty and Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement there is no need to take into

account the actual effects of an agreement when it has as its object the

prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the common market.

Consequently, it is not necessary to show actual anti-competitive effects where

the anti-competitive object of the conduct in question is proven

1449

1444

See for example […]where it is instructed to "Please dispose the following document after reading it"

and […]"This report must be removed after reading".

1445

[…] has stated that [participants were scrupulously not taking notes or put anything in writing]. […]

1446

In a document found during the inspections a warning goes as follows: "Everybody is requested to keep

it as secret as it would be serious damage to SEB if it is open to customers or European Commission"

[…]

1447

Case C-8/72, Vereeniging van Cementhandelaren v Commission, [1972] ECR 977, paragraph 21.

1448

Case T–311/94, Kartonfabriek de Eendrachtparagraph 192.

1449

Case T–62/98 Volkswagen, paragraph 178.

EN 212 EN

(697) According to the case-law, the Commission is not required to show systematically

that the agreement on prices allowed the cartel participants to obtain higher

prices than they would have done in the absence of such agreements.

1450

It is

sufficient that agreed prices serve as the basis for individual negotiations as they

limit the clients' margin of negotiation.

1451

The fact that an agreement having an

anti-competitive object is implemented, even if only in part, is sufficient to

preclude the possibility that the agreement had no effect on the market

1452

. Also,

even when the cartel sets only price objectives and not fixed prices, it cannot be

inferred that that cartel would not have had any effects if the undertakings

below the reference prices.

1453

(698) Even if it is not necessary to show any anti-competitive effects where the anti-

competitive object of a conduct is proven, the Commission considers that the

facts as established in Section 4 are indications of anti-competitive effects of the

cartel arrangements as a whole, comprising agreements and concerted practices.

It is, in fact, proven in this case, that the undertakings involved agreed to fix

prices, and actually attempted, and at various times succeeded, in raising their

prices (see for example Recitals (143)-(167), (190)-(207), (231)-(239) for CDT

and (258), (273), (274), (277), (290), (276), (292), (296), (302), (327)-(330),

(333), (351), (363), (370), (372)-(377), (381)-(382), (385)-(386), (390)-(391),

(394)-(396), (398)-(400), (404)-(405), (407), (422), (427), (437)-(438) for

CPT); agreed to restrict output and actually attempted, and at various times

succeeded, in restricting output (see for example Recitals (176)-(184), (208)-

(225), (242)-(246) for CDT and (266)-(267), (424)-(426), (441) for CPT);

agreed upon market shares, both with respect to concrete markets and regions

and specific customers (see for example Recitals (222)-(224), (240), (241) for

CDT and (297)-(300), (387) for CPT); monitored the implementation of the

agreements (see for example Recitals (164), (166), (181), (183)-(184), (193),

(196), (200)-(201), (225), (231) for CDT and (271)-(273), (274), (278), (331),

(332), (337), (341), (346), (348), (350) for CPT); and exchanged commercially

sensitive information (see for example Recitals (248), (264), (275), (288),

(304)-(319), (364)-(365), (383)-(384), (385), (408), (413)-(415), (433)-(435),

(446), (451), (453) for CPT).

(699) Additionally, it is considered that, on the basis of the elements set out in this

Decision, it is proven that the anti-competitive decisions have been

implemented and that likely anti-competitive effects of the cartel arrangements

have taken place (see for example Recitals (151), (162), (164), (174)-(175),

(180)

1454

, (181)

1455

, (237)

1456

,(280)

1457

, (281)

1458

, (289)

1459

, (340)

1460

, (342)

1461

(345)

1462

, (346)

1463

, (350)

1464

, (358)

1465

, (359)

1466

1450

Case T-410/03, Hoechst v Commission, [2004] ECR II-04451, paragraph 348

1451

Joined Cases T-259/02 to T-264/02 and T-271/02, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG and Others v

Commission, [2006] ECR II-5169, paragraphs 285–286.

1452

Case T–38/02 Danone, paragraph 148.

1453

Case T–64/02, Dr Hans Heubach GmbH & Co. KG v Commission, [2005] ECR II-5137, paragraph 117.

1454

"Chunghwa was congratulated for cutting down its production".

1455

"Various makers have coordinated very well on 17'' Capacity control in the past three months".

1456

"In actual implementation, however, only CPT and [Philips/LGE joint venture] have successfully made

the increase adjustment with AOC".

EN 213 EN

(700) Whilst the competition-restricting object of the arrangements is sufficient to

support the conclusion that Article 101(1) of the Treaty and Article 53(1) of the

EEA Agreement apply, it has also been established that those arrangements

were likely to restrict competition, which leads to the same conclusion.

5.2.3.2. Assessment of parties' arguments

(701) Panasonic/MTPD,

1467

Toshiba and Technicolor contest that the cartel

arrangements had effects on the European CPT business. Toshiba submits

1468

that during the period prior to 2003, it did not supply small/medium round CPTs

in the EU, and therefore had no economic incentive to participate in the CPT

cartel or engage in activities which had an adverse impact on the small/medium

round CPT sector in the EU. Toshiba argues that it overwhelmingly supplied

jumbo CPTs to itself and to Thomson from which it faced countervailing buyer

power and had little incentive to charge its downstream operation excessive

prices in the face of declining demand and intense competition in the TV

monitor market. According to Technicolor,

1469

specific attention should be paid

to the lack of effects due to the inaccuracy of information disclosed by it to

Samsung and Philips during the Glass Meetings and its frequent deviation from

the agreements reached during such meetings and to the fact that Thomson’s

deviation was unlikely to be detected due to unsustainability of the cartel in

light of the market characteristics such as monthly varying numbers of sales,

price volatility or countervailing buyer power.

(702) Regarding the arguments of the parties on the effects, according to the case-law

referred to in Recitals (696) and (697), it is not necessary to show actual anti-

1457

Toshiba followed suit and, on 20 October 1999, informed Chunghwa of the progress of its 14'' and 20''

CPT increases towards specific customers.

1458

It was reported that [CPT producer] – "following communications with SDI" – had raised its 14'' Bare

CPT price.

1459

[…] explained that it had lead the market with price increases among others to Tecnimagen (Spain).

1460

"[CPT producer] already raised its price close to PH's price in March".

1461

The meeting minutes refer to a bilateral agreement concerning Europe between Philips and [CPT

producer] concluded in March 2000 and implemented by Philips towards certain Italian customers in

June 2000.

1462

The meeting participants congratulated themselves for having successfully increased the prices for 14''

and 20'' CPT for the customer TCE.

1463

Philips indicated that "the price is raised to $38-39", thereby confirming the implementation of the

price agreements reached on 14 April and 25 May 2000.

1464

Philips indicated that "the price is raised to $38-39", thereby confirming again the implementation of

the price agreements reached on 14 April and 25 May 2000.

1465

The agreement was implemented: the competitors reported that Philips would stop the production of 14''

CPT for 5 weekends in January and [CPT producer] for 2-3 weeks in February 2001.

1466

Chunghwa's subsidiary in the UK reported on the successful price increases on the European market to

its Asian headquarters: "During 2000 with the help of the GSM meetings the average 14” CRT price has

risen to between $38 and $39 delivered. Philips and Chunghwa have been the companies who have

driven price up."

1467

[…] reply to Statement of Objections, […].

1468

[…] submission of 13 April 2010, […].

1469

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].[…] has analysed only the period June 2002 – June

2005, but submits – without any further justification – that it considers that, although the analysed

period is shorter than that identified by the Commission with respect to Thomson’s participation in the

infringement (March 1999 – September 2005) the actual effect of the alleged conduct is questionable

over the entire period.

EN 214 EN

competitive effects where the anti-competitive object of the conduct in question

is proven. In addition, it has to be noted that the actual conduct which an

undertaking claims to have adopted is irrelevant for the purposes of assessing

the impact of a cartel on the market

1470

. In this context, the arguments on price

volatility, inaccuracy of the information or countervailing buyer power, that

were alleged by Thomson only based on its own company data do not change

the fact that the cartel was implemented (and also monitored, see Recital (705))

and that the conditions of competition had been distorted by it

1471

(703) Even though there is no need to take into account the actual effects of an

agreement when it has as its object the prevention, restriction or distortion of

competition within the internal market, Recitals (698) and (699) refer to the

abundant evidence on the file which are indications of anti-competitive effects

of the cartel arrangements as a whole.

(704) Moreover, according to settled case-law, it is sufficient for the Commission to

show that the undertaking concerned participated in meetings and contacts at

which anti-competitive agreements were concluded, without manifestly

opposing them, to prove to the requisite standard that the undertaking

participated in the cartel.

1472

It is not sufficient for a participant in anti-

competitive meetings and contacts to keep its reservations about collusive

arrangements to itself. The fact that an undertaking may act in a manner which

is not consistent with the cartel arrangements does not prove that it did not

participate in the cartel. Also, full compliance with cartel agreements is not a

constitutive element for the proof of an agreement within the meaning of Article

101(1) of the Treaty. If, for instance, an undertaking is represented at meetings

in which the parties agree on certain behaviour on the market, it may be held

liable for an infringement even when its own conduct on the market is not in

conformity with the conduct agreed.

1473

(705) In addition, the Commission does not need to take into account the market

conditions or the specific market behaviour of the participants in the collusive

conduct in order to find an infringement of Article 101(1) of the Treaty once it

has been shown that such anticompetitive conduct took place. Moreover, it has

been shown that the parties actively monitored their collusive arrangements (see

Recitals (271)-(274), (277), (278), (302), (321), (331), (332), (337), (341),

(345), (350), (353), (374), (405), (408)). Also the fact that an undertaking has

allegedly not taken part in all aspects of an anti-competitive scheme or that it

played only a minor role in the aspects in which it did participate must be taken

1470

Joined cases T-456/05 and T-457/05, Gütermann and Zwicky v Commission, [2010] ECR II-01443,

paragraph 133, Case C-49/92 P, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraph 152, Case T-7/89, Hercules Chemicals

v Commission, [1991] ECR II-1711, paragraph 342, and Case T-224/00, Archer Daniels Midland and

Archer Daniels Midland Ingredients v Commission, [2003] ECR II-2597, paragraph 167 (to which […]

refers in its reply to the Statement of Objections, […]).

1471

See, in the same sense, case T-64/02, Heubach, paragraph 120, and case T-322/01, Roquette Frères v

Commission, [2006] ECR II-3137, paragraph 107.

1472

Joined Cases T-109/02, T-118/02, T-122/02, T-125/02, T-126/02, T-128/02, T-129/02, T-132/02 and T-

136/02, Bolloré, paragraphs 188–189; Joined Cases C-204/00P C-205/00P, C-211/00P, C-213/00P, C-

217/00P and C-219/00P Aalborg Portland, paragraph 81; Case C–199/92 P, Hüls, paragraph 155; Case

C–49/92 P, Anic Partecipazioni , paragraph 96.

1473

Case T–334/94, Sarrió, paragraph 118.

EN 215 EN

into consideration when the gravity of the infringement is assessed and if and

when it comes to determining the fine.

1474

The abundant evidence on the file

demonstrates Panasonic/MTPD’s, Toshiba’s and Thomson’s participation in the

CPT cartel arrangements and it is immaterial for the finding of an infringement

what individual reasons an undertaking had for participating in a cartel. There is

no evidence that any of the addressees of this Decision would have publicly

distanced themselves from the cartel.

5.2.4. Non-applicability of Article 101(3) of the Treaty and Article 53(3) of the EEA

Agreement

(706) The Commission file contains no indications that the conditions of Article 101(3)

of the Treaty and Article 53(3) of the EEA Agreement are fulfilled.

5.2.5. Effect upon trade between Member States and between EEA Contracting Parties

5.2.5.1. Principles

(707) Article 101(1) of the Treaty is aimed at agreements which might harm the

attainment of a single market between the Member States, whether by

partitioning national markets or by affecting the structure of competition within

the common market. Similarly, Article 53(1) of the EEA Agreement is directed

at agreements that undermine the achievement of a homogeneous European

Economic Area.

(708) The Court of Justice and Court of First Instance have consistently held that, "in

order that an agreement between undertakings may affect trade between

Member States, it must be possible to foresee with a sufficient degree of

probability on the basis of a set of objective factors of law or fact that it may

have an influence, direct or indirect, actual or potential, on the pattern of trade

between Member States".

1475

In any event, whilst Article 101 of the Treaty

"does not require that agreements referred to in that provision have actually

affected trade between Member States, it does require that it be established that

the agreements are capable of having that effect"

1476

(709) According to the Commission Guidelines on the effect on trade concept contained

in Articles 81 and 82 of the Treaty [now Article 101 and 102]

1477

, Article 101 of

the Treaty applies to agreements and practices that are capable of affecting trade

between Member States even if one or more of the parties are located outside

the Union. The 2006 Leniency Notice confirms clearly that trade between

Member States can be affected in the case of agreements which relate to imports

or exports with third countries.

1474

Case 49/92P, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraph 90.

1475

Case C-56/65 Société Technique Minière, v Machinenbau Ulm, [1966] ECR 235, paragraph 7; Case C-

42/84 Remia BV and Others v Commission, [1985] ECR 2545, paragraph 22; and Joined Cases Joined

Cases T-25/95, T-26/95, T-30/95, T-31/95, T-32/95, T-34/95, T-35/95, T-36/95, T-37/95, T-38/95, T-

39/95, T-42/95, T-43/95, T-44/95, T-45/95, T-46/95, T-48/95, T-50/95, T-51/95, T-52/95, T-53/95, T-

54/95, T-55/95, T-56/95, T-57/95, T-58/95, T-59/95, T-60/95, T-61/95, T-62/95, T-63/95, T-64/95, T-

65/95, T-68/95, T-69/95, T-70/95, T-71/95, T-87/95, T-88/95, T-103/95 and T-104/95, Cimenteries,

paragraph 3930.

1476

Case C-219/95P, Ferriere Nord v Commission, [1997] ECR I–4411, paragraph 19.

1477

OJ C 101, 27.4.2004, p. 7, point 100.

EN 216 EN

(710) For the purposes of establishing the jurisdiction of the Commission, it is sufficient

that an agreement or practice involving third countries or undertakings located

in third countries is capable of affecting cross-border economic activity inside

the Union. Import into one Member State may be sufficient to trigger effects of

this nature. Imports can affect the conditions of competition in the importing

Member State, which in turn can have an impact on exports and imports of

competing products to and from other Member States. In other words, imports

from third countries resulting from the agreement or practice may cause a

diversion of trade between Member States, thus affecting patterns of trade.

1478

5.2.5.2. Application to this case

(711) The complex of agreements and concerted practices between the producers of

each of CDT and CPT is capable of having an appreciable effect upon trade

between Member States and between Contracting Parties to the EEA

Agreement.

(712) As demonstrated in Section 2.3.3, the CDT and CPT sectors are, respectively,

characterised by a substantial volume of trade between Member States and there

is also trade between the Community and European Free Trade Association

("EFTA") States belonging to the EEA.

(713) The application of Article 101 of the Treaty and Article 53 of the EEA Agreement

to a cartel is not, however, limited to that part of the participants’ sales that

actually involve the transfer of goods from one State to another. Nor is it

necessary, in order for these provisions to apply, to show that the individual

conduct of each participant, as opposed to the cartel as a whole, affected trade

between Member States

1479

(714) In this case, the cartel arrangements for CDT were worldwide and for CPT world-

wide, covering several regisions, including the EEA. The existence of

arrangements to fix prices worldwide or regionally, to allocate worldwide or

regional market shares and customers, and to restrict capacity of entities located

across the world must have resulted, or was likely to result, in the automatic

diversion of trade patterns from the course they would otherwise have followed

in the EEA

1480

(715) Although a large part of the cartel arrangements which are the subject matter of

this Decision took place at world-wide level (see Recital (85) above), CDTs and

CPTs were delivered and/or billed directly to customers in Europe, including

various producers of downstream equipment, for example, Sony, Sanyo,

Daewoo, JVC, Loewe, Mivar and to European entities connected to the

undertakings that participated in the infringement. The existence of agreements

and concerted practices in the present case resulted, or was likely to result, in

the automatic diversion of trade patterns from the course they would otherwise

have followed.

1481

The cartel arrangements were implemented in the EEA and

their impact in the EEA unavoidably affected price levels, production and

1478

Ibid., point 101.

1479

Case T–13/89, Imperial Chemical Industries v Commission, [1992] ECR II–1021, paragraph 304.

1480

Joined Cases 209 to 215 and 218/78 Van Landewyck and Others v Commission, [1980] ECR 3125,

paragraph 170.

1481

Joined Cases 209 to 215 and 218/78, Van Landewyck, paragraph 170.

EN 217 EN

consumption within the EEA and thus had an effect on trade between Member

States.

(716) The cartel arrangements produced effects within the EEA not only through the

direct sales of CDTs and CPTs but also indirectly through inter-state trade of

incorporated CDTs and CPTs. As was demonstrated in Recitals (109) and (234),

the parties aimed to and took note of the passing-on of the surcharge to final

consumers and the effects thereof on demand.

(717) Based on those circumstances, it can therefore be established that the cartel

arrangements could and did have a substantial impact on the patterns of trade

between Member States and on the EEA market through direct EEA sales of

CDT and CPT and direct EEA sales through transformed products (products in

which CDTs and CPTs were incorporated) on the patterns of trade between

Member States and on the EEA market.

(718) After the accession of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia,

Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia on 1 May 2004, Article 101 of

the Treaty became applicable to the cartel insofar as it affected those markets.

(719) Insofar as the activities of the cartel related to sales in countries that are not

Member States or Contracting Parties to the EEA Agreement, they lie outside

the scope of this Decision.

6. ADDRESSEES

6.1. General principles

(720) In order to identify the addressees of this Decision, it is necessary to determine the

legal entities to which responsibility for the infringement should be attributed.

(721) As a general consideration, the subject of the EU competition rules is the

“undertaking”, a concept that has an economic scope and that is not identical to

the notion of corporate legal personality in national commercial or fiscal law.

The “undertaking” that participated in the infringement is therefore not

necessarily the same as the legal entity within a group of companies whose

representatives actually took part in the cartel meetings. The term “undertaking”

is not defined in the Treaty. It may refer to any entity engaged in commercial

activities. The case-law has confirmed that Article 101 of the Treaty is aimed at

economic units which consist of a unitary organization of personal, tangible and

intangible elements which pursue a specific economic aim on a long-term basis

and can contribute to the commission of an infringement of the kind referred to

in that provision

1482

(722) Despite the fact that Article 101 of the Treaty is applicable to undertakings and

that the concept of undertaking has an economic scope, only entities with legal

personality can be held liable for infringements. This Decision must therefore

1482

Case T–11/89, Shell International Chemical Company v. Commission, [1992] ECR II–757, paragraph

311. See also Case T–352/94, Mo Och Domsjö AB v Commission, [1998] ECR II–1989, paragraphs 87–

96, Case T–43/02, Jungbunzlauer v. Commission, [2006] ECR II-3435, paragraph 125; Case T–314/01,

Avebe BA v Commission, [2006] ECR II–3085, paragraph 136; case T–330/01, Akzo Nobel NV v

Commission [2006] II–3389, paragraph 83.

EN 218 EN

be addressed to legal entities

1483

. For each undertaking that is to be held

accountable for infringing Article 101 of the Treaty it is therefore necessary to

identify one or more legal entities which should bear legal liability for the

infringement. According to the case-law, “Community competition law

recognises that different companies belonging to the same group form an

economic unit and therefore an undertaking within the meaning of

Articles 81 EC and 82 EC if the companies concerned do not determine

independently their own conduct on the market”

1484

. If a subsidiary does not

determine its own conduct on the market independently, the company which

directed its commercial policy (that is to say, which exercised decisive

influence)

1485

forms a single economic entity with the subsidiary and may thus

be held liable for an infringement on the ground that it forms part of the same

undertaking (so-called “parental liability”).

(723) According to settled case-law of the Court of Justice and of the General Court, a

parent company that owns 100% (or almost 100%) of a subsidiary has the

ability to exercise decisive control over such subsidiary. In such a case, there

exists a rebuttable presumption that the parent also in fact exercises that control

without the need for the Commission to adduce further evidence on the actual

exercise of control (“the Parental Liability Presumption”).

1486

When the

Commission, in the Statement of Objections or the Supplementary Statement of

Objections, relies on the Parental Liability Presumption and declares its

intention to hold a parent company liable for an infringement committed by its

wholly owned subsidiary, it is for that parent company, when it considers that -

despite the shareholding - the subsidiary determines its conduct independently

on the market, to rebut the presumption by adducing sufficient evidence in this

regard during the administrative procedure.

1487

(724) The question of decisive influence relates to the level of autonomy of the

subsidiary with regard to its overall commercial policy and not to the awareness

1483

Although an "undertaking" within the meaning of Article 101(1) of the Treaty is not necessarily the

same as a company having legal personality, it is necessary for the purposes of applying and enforcing

decisions to identify an entity possessing legal personality to be the addressee of the measure. Joined

Cases T–305/94, T-306/94, T-307/94, T-313/94 to T-316/94, T-318/94, T-325/94, T-328/94, T-329/94

and T-335/94, etc. Limburgse Vinyl Maatschappij (PVC), paragraph 978.

1484

Case 170/83. Hydrotherm, [1984] ECR 2999, paragraph 11; Case T–102/9.2 Viho Europe BV v

Commission, [1995] ECR II–17, paragraph 50, cited in Case T–203/01. Michelin v Commission,

[2003] ECR II–4071, paragraph 290; Case T-112/05, Akzo Nobel NV and Others v Commission, [2007]

ECR II-5049, paragraph 57.

1485

Case C-286/98 P, Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags AB v Commission, [2000] ECR I-9925, paragraph 37.

1486

Joined Cases T–71/03, T-74/03, T-87/03 and T-91/03, Tokai Carbon Co. Ltd. and Others v

Commission, paragraph 60; Case T-405/06, Arcellor Mittal Luxembourg and Others v Commission, not

yet reported, paragraphs 89-92; Case T-85/06, General Química and Others v Commission, not yet

reported, paragraph 60; Case T–354/94 Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags v Commission, [1998] ECR II–

2111, paragraph 80, upheld by the Court of Justice on appeal in Case C–286/98P, Stora Kopparbergs

Bergslags v Commission, [2000] ECR I–9925, paragraphs 27–29; and Case 107/82 AEG v Commission,

[1983] ECR 3151, paragraph 50; judgment of 12 December 2007 in Case T–112/05 Akzo Nobel,

paragraphs 60-62; Case C-97/08P Akzo Nobl NV and Others v Commission, [2009] I-08237, paragraphs

60-61; C-521/09 P Elf Aquitaine v Commission, not yet reported, paragraphs 56-57; C-201/09, Arcelor

Mittal SA v Commision, not yet reported, paragraphs 97-100; Case C- 495/11 P, Total SA and Elf

Aquitaine SA v Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 28.

1487

Case T-330/01, Akzo Nobel NV v. Commission, [2006] ECR II-3389, paragraph 83.

EN 219 EN

of the parent company with respect to the infringing behaviour of the subsidiary.

Attribution of liability to a parent company flows from the fact that the two

entities constitute a single undertaking for the purposes of the EU rules on

competition

1488

and not from proof of the parent’s participation in or awareness

of the infringement, both as regards its organisation or implementation.

(725) Where a parent company has the ability to exercise control over its subsidiary (or

over a joint venture) and is aware of the infringement and does not stop it, it will

be held liable for its infringement.

1489

In such case, the actual exercise or non-

exercise of control by the parent is irrelevant for its liability. According to

Agroexpansión

1490

, when a parent company is aware of the involvement of its

wholly-owned subsidiary in an infringement and it does not oppose this

involvement, the Commission can deduct that the parent company tacitly

approves the participation in the infringement and this circumstance represents

additional indicia supporting the Presumption.

(726) The actual exercise of management power by the parent company or parent

companies over their subsidiary may be capable of being inferred directly from

the implementation of the applicable statutory provisions or from an agreement

between the parent companies, entered into under those statutory provisions, in

relation to the management of their common subsidiary

1491

. The extent of the

parent company’s involvement in the management of its subsidiary may also be

proved by the presence, in leading positions of the subsidiary, of many

individuals who occupy managerial posts within the parent company. The

involvement of the parent company or companies in the management of the

subsidiary may follow from the business relationship which they have with each

other.

1492

(727) The decisive influence of the parent company does not necessarily have to result

from specific instructions, guidelines or rights of co-determination in terms of

pricing, production and sales activities or similar aspects essential to market

conduct. Such instructions are merely a particularly clear indication of the

existence of the parent company’s decisive influence over its subsidiary’s

commercial policy. However, autonomy of the subsidiary cannot necessarily be

inferred from their absence. A parent company may exercise decisive influence

over its subsidiaries even when it does not make use of any actual rights of co-

determination and refrains from giving any specific instructions or guidelines on

individual elements of commercial policy. Thus, a single commercial policy

within a group may also be inferred indirectly from the totality of the economic,

legal and organisational links between the parent company and its

1488

Joined Cases T–71/03, T–74/03, T–87/03, and T–91/03 Tokai Carbon, paragraph 54.

1489

Joined Cases T-259/02 to T-264/02 and T-271/02, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich , paragraph 330.

1490

Case T-38/05, Agroexpansión SA v Commission, not yet reported, paragraphs 146 and 157. See also

Case T-41/05, Alliance One International, Inc., not yet reported, paragraph 136.

1491

Case T-314/01, Avebe, paragraphs 137 to 139.

1492

Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric Holdings Co. Ltd and Fuji Electric Systems Co. Ltd v Commission, not yet

reported, paragraph 184. See also opinion of Advocate General Mischo in Case C-286/98 P, Stora

Kopparbergs Bergslags , paragraphs 50 and 51.

EN 220 EN

subsidiaries.

1493

Moreover, the Court has stated that with respect to a joint

venture it is not necessary for the parent company to have sole control of its

subsidiary and that both parent companies can exercise decisive influence over

the joint venture.

1494

(728) Concerning a full-function joint venture, the Court has found that “although a full-

function joint venture, for the purposes of Regulation (EEC) No 4064/89, is

deemed to perform on a lasting basis all the functions of an autonomous

economic entity, and is, therefore, economically autonomous from an

operational viewpoint, that autonomy does not mean, as the Commission made

clear in paragraph 93 of its Consolidated Jurisdictional Notice under Regulation

(EC) No 139/2004, that the joint venture enjoys autonomy as regards the

adoption of its strategic decisions and that it is not therefore under the decisive

influence exercised by its parent companies for the purposes of the application

of Article 81 EC.

1495

The fact that a joint venture has its own legal personality is

not sufficient to exclude the possibility of imputing its conduct to one of its

parent companies.

1496

(729) In accordance with the principle of personal responsibility, legal entities within an

undertaking having participated in their own right in an infringement and which

have been acquired in the meantime by another undertaking continue to answer

themselves for their unlawful behaviour prior to their acquisition, when they

have not been purely and simply absorbed by the acquirer, but continued their

activities as subsidiaries.

1497

In such a case, the acquirer might only be liable for

the conduct of its new subsidiary from the moment of its acquisition if the latter

persists in the infringement and liability can be established.

1498

(730) However, for the effective enforcement of competition law it may become

necessary, by way of exception from the principle of personal responsibility, to

1493

Case C-97/08, Akzo, paragraph 73, referring to the opinion of Advocate General Kokott in that case,

paragraphs 87 to 94, and case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours and Company and Others v

Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 62.

1494

Case T-24/05 Alliance One v Commission, paragraph 164. See also Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric,

paragraphs 181 and 202, and Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours , paragraph 74.

1495

Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours , paragraph 78.

1496

Case C-49/92 P, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraph 145, case C-279/98 P Cascades v Commission, [2002]

ECR I-9693, paragraph 78, Case C-280/06, ETI and Others, [2007] ECR I-1089, paragraph 39, Joined

Cases C-204/00P C-205/00P, C-211/00P, C-213/00P, C-217/00P and C-219/00P, Aalborg Portland,

paragraph 60, Joined Cases C-322/07 P, C-327/07 P and C-338/07 P, Papierfabrik August Koehler

AGand Others v Commission, paragraph 38, Case 6/72, Europemballage and Continental Can v

Commission, paragraph 15, Case C-97/08, Akzo Nobel, paragraphs 56 to 59, and Case T-76/08, EI du

Pont de Nemours , paragraph 78.

1497

Case 279/98 P, Cascades, paragraphs 78 to 80: “It falls, in principle, to the natural or legal person

managing the undertaking in question when the infringement was committed to answer for that

infringement, even if, when the Decision finding the infringement was adopted, another person had

assumed responsibility for operating the undertaking. Moreover, those companies were not purely and

simply absorbed by the appellant but continued their activities as its subsidiaries. They must, therefore,

answer themselves for their unlawful activity prior to their acquisition by the appellant, which cannot

be held responsible for it.” See, to that effect also Case T-349/08, Uralita, SA v Commission, not yet

reported, paragraph 61: "In accordance with that principle, the Commission may not impute to the

purchaser of a legal entity liability for that entity’s conduct prior to the purchase, such liability having

to be imputed to the company itself where that company still exists." See also Joined Cases T-259/02 to

T-264/02 and T-271/02, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich AG, paragraph 333.

1498

Case T-354/94 Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags, paragraph 80.

EN 221 EN

attribute a cartel offence to the new operator of the undertaking which

participated in the cartel if the new operator may in fact be regarded as the

successor to the original operator, that is if it continues to operate the

undertaking which participated in the cartel

1499

. This so called “economic

continuity” test applies in cases where the legal person responsible for running

the undertaking has ceased to exist in law after the infringement has been

committed

1500

or in cases of internal restructuring of an undertaking where the

initial operator has not necessarily ceased to have legal existence but no longer

carries out an economic activity on the relevant market and in view of the

structural links between the initial operator and the new operator of the

undertaking

1501

(731) In certain circumstances the “economic continuity” test also applies in cases

where the legal entity which participated in the infringement has not ceased to

exist in law, but has preserved its legal personality for the sole purpose of its

judicial liquidation after having ceased trading.

1502

In such a case the General

Court stated that given the fact that the new operator had been formed

specifically to guarantee and maintain the continuation of the undertaking

involved in the infringement, it must be considered to be the economic

successor of that undertaking

1503

(732) In its Jungbunzlauer judgment

1504

, the General Court stated that “the fact that a

company continues to exist as a legal entity does not exclude the possibility

that, with reference to EU competition law, there may be a transfer of part of the

activities of that company to another which becomes responsible for the acts of

the former”. The Jungbunzlauer judgment is also important in establishing that

economic succession can take place even when a mere function of managing the

entire business of the group is transferred to another legal entity, without any

transfer of tangible infringing assets

1505

(733) Moreover, the Court of Justice observed in ETI and others

1506

that “a penalty

imposed on an undertaking that continues to exist in law, but has ceased

economic activity, is likely to have no deterrent effect”. Advocate General

Kokott observed in the same case that “an internal group restructuring may

1499

Opinion of Advocate General Kokott in Case C-280/06 ETI SpA and others, paragraphs 75 and 76; and

Joined Cases C-204/00 P, C-205/00 P, C-211/00 P, C-213/00 P, C-217/00 P and C-219/00 P Aalborg

Portland, paragraph 59.

1500

Case C-49/92 P, Anic Partecipazioni, paragraph 145.

1501

Joined Cases C-204/00P, C-205/00P, C-211/00P, C-213/00P, C-217/00P and C-219/00P, Aalborg

Portland, paragraphs 354-360, and Case T-43/02, Jungbunzlauer AG v Commission, [2006] ECR II-

3435, paragraphs 131 to 133, Case T-161/05 Hoechst GmbH v Commission, [2009] ECR II-3555,

paragraphs 50 to 52 and 63 and the case law referred to in those paragraphs. See also, mutatis mutandis,

judgement in relation to Art. 65(1) and (5) of ECSC Treaty in Case T-134/94, NMH Stahlwerke GmbH

v Commission, [1999] ECR II-00239, paragraph 126.

1502

Judgement in relation to Art. 65(1) and (5) of ECSC Treaty in Case T-134/94, NMH Stahlwerke,

paragraphs 123 to 141.

1503

Case T-134/94, NMH Stahlwerke, paragraphs 127 to 130 and 132.

1504

Case T-43/02, Jungbunzlauer, paragraph 132. See also Joined Cases T-117/07 and T-121/07, Areva SA

and Others and Alstom SA v Commission, [2011] ECR II-633, paragraphs 66 to 69.

1505

Case T-43/02 Jungbunzlauer, paragraph 131.

1506

Case C-280/06, Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato v Ente tabacchi italiani – "ETI SpA

and others", [2007] ECR I-1089, paragraph 40.

EN 222 EN

have the effect that the original operator of the undertaking is changed into an

“empty shell”. A penalty imposed on it under antitrust law would be

ineffective”

1507

(734) The same principles hold true, mutatis mutandis, for the purposes of the

application of Article 53 of the EEA Agreement

1508

6.2. Application to this case

(735) In application of the above principles, this Decision should be addressed to those

legal entities whose representatives participated in cartel meetings and other

forms of anti-competitive contacts with competitors. In addition, this Decision

should be addressed to the parent companies of those legal entities in as far as it

is presumed and/or found that they exercised decisive influence over the

commercial policy of the entities owned by them either wholly or partly.

Together, those legal entities should be held liable for the infringement of

Article 101 of the Treaty and of Article 53 of the EEA Agreement.

6.2.1. Chunghwa

(736) The evidence described in Section 4 shows that Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co.,

Ltd. and its subsidiaries Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Malaysia) Sdn., Bhd.

(hereinafter "CPTM"), CPTF Optronics Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "CPTF") and

Chunghwa Picture Tubes (U.K.) Co., Ltd. (hereinafter "CPT UK"), participated

directly in the cartel contacts both concerning the CDT cartel and the CPT

cartel. CPT UK has ceased to exist after the time period of the infringement.

(737) The Commission holds Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd., CPTM and CPTF

liable for their direct participation in the infringements concerning CDT and

CPT. The Commission also holds Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. liable as

parent company in both infringements. During the time period of the

infringements CPTM was a wholly owned subsidiary of Chunghwa (through a

wholly owned intermediary holding company) and CPTF was 100% owned by

Chunghwa (indirectly through other Chunghwa subsidiaries) until 2000 and

thereafter almost wholly owned by Chunghwa (95% owned in 2000 and 2001

and 88.81% owned since 2002, with other owners being minority

shareholders)

1509

. Moreover, Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co. Ltd. has also itself

submitted that these companies are its subsidiaries and that both of these were

representing Chunghwa Group in the cartel along with the parent company

Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd..

1510

The Commission therefore presumes the

exercise of decisive influence of Chunghwa over CPTM's conduct on the

market. In this case the following factors that are further described in Recitals

(738) to (742) confirm and corroborate this presumption: decision making

structures, reporting lines of the employees directly involved in the collusive

1507

Opinion of Advocate General Kokott in Case C-280/06 ETI SpA and others, paragraph 79.

1508

The case law of the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance in relation to the interpretation of

Article 101 of the Treaty applies equally to Article 53 of the EEA Agreement. See Recitals No 4 and 15

as well as Article 6 of the EEA Agreement, Article 3(2) of the EEA Surveillance and Court Agreement,

as well as Case E-1/94 of 16.12.1994, Recitals 32-35. References in this text to Article 101 therefore

apply also to Article 53 of the EEA Agreement.

1509

See Recitals (9) and (10) respectively for further details on ownership structure.

1510

[…].

EN 223 EN

contacts and some personnel overlaps in the management structure. As CPTF

was 88.81% owned by Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. since 2002, it is

regarded by the Commission as a majority owned subsidiary of Chunghwa

Picture Tubes Co., Ltd.. The evidence in the possession of the Commission

shows that CPTF did not act autonomously in the market and that Chunghwa

Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. actually exercised decisive influence on this subsidiary's

conduct. This finding has also been explicitly confirmed by both Chunghwa

Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. and CPTF

1511

. Hence, the evidence described below also

shows that even though the ownership percentage of Chunghwa Picture Tubes

Co., Ltd. in CPTF was slightly reduced, it continued to control CPTF and

effectively exercised decisive influence on this majority owned subsidiary.

(738) Throughout the entire infringement period, final decisions regarding sales volume

and prices as well as production capacity (including those concerning CPTM

and CPTF) were taken by senior management of Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co.,

Ltd..

1512

For example [name], who was the [manager] of Chunghwa Picture

Tubes Co., Ltd. from [date] until [date], had the final authority regarding sales

volumes and prices for the whole group. Simultaneously he retained final

authority to approve all price and other arrangements reached with competitors

in the meetings that any Chunghwa group entities attended.

1513

The marketing

decisions were centralised in the headquarters and dealt with by the CRT

business unit, to which the subsidiaries (including CPTM and CPTF) reported.

The head of the CRT business unit reported to the [manager] of Chunghwa

Picture Tubes Co., Ltd..

1514

(739) More particularly concerning the reporting lines of managers of CPTF to the

parent company the following shows direct reporting from sales and high

management level as well as from cartel participation level to the parent

company. [Name], who was a manager in CPTF in charge of sales [date] and an

[manager] in CPTF from [date], reported in these positions simultaneously and

directly both to the [manager] of CPTF ([name]) and to the then [manager] of

the CRT business unit at the parent company ([name]), who was in his turn

reporting to the [manager] of the parent company Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co.,

Ltd.. [name]'s reporting to these persons included also reporting on cartel

meetings.

1515

(740) Regarding CPTF, there are also personnel overlaps in the management structure

of Chunghwa and CPTF. [Name] is a [manager] of the Chunghwa CRT business

unit at the parent company ([date]) and simultaneously [manager] of CPTF

([date]). The heads of CPTM and CPTF report to […]. [Name] has since [date]

reported to the top level at the parent company, first to Chunghwa's [manager]

[name] and since [name] departure in [date] to the [manager] of Chunghwa,

[name]. Since taking up […] position as the [manager] of Chunghwa CRT

1511

[…].

1512

[…]. It appears that only since the move of Chunghwa's CRT business unit completely to Fuzhou,

China, individuals in Fuzhou have been involved in decisions regarding sales volume and prices. For

instance, [name], the then [manager in] CPTF was involved in CDT price setting from July 2006 to

May 2007. See also […] and Recitals (739) - (740) below.

1513

[…]

1514

[…]

1515

[…]

EN 224 EN

business, [name] also reviewed some cartel meeting reports prepared by

Chunghwa representatives who participated in meetings. Hence, […] was aware

of involvement of Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd., CPTM and CPTF in the

cartel.

1516

In July 2006 the CRT business headquarters of Chunghwa Picture

Tubes Co., Ltd. was moved from Taiwan to Fuzhou, China where CPTF is also

located, and all Chunghwa Picture Tubes Co., Ltd. personnel responsible for

CRT are since then located in Fuzhou.

1517

(741) [The evidence on involvement of Chunghwa's] officials in cartel contacts both for

CPT and CDT shows participation by all of the above mentioned entities and a

line of involvement in these cartels up to the top management at the parent

company, as is already described above for CPTF. This shows that in addition to

reporting and giving instructions on the business, the parent company was fully

aware of and encouraged subsidiaries' participation in the infringements. For

example [name], who was directly involved in CPT cartel contacts and

encouraged his employees in cartel contacts, was a [manager] in Malaysia

(CPTM) from the [period] and reported to [name] and the [manager] of the

Malaysian facility, [name]. In the period [period] [name] had responsibilities for

CPT sales both in Taiwan and Malaysia and continued to report to [name] until

[date]. [Name], who had sales responsibilities in Taiwan, Malaysia (CPTM) and

Fuzhou, China (CPTF) regarding CDTs and CPTs between [period], attended

numerous meetings and was for a certain period a designated auditor of

production limitation agreements for CDTs. He reported among others to

[name], [manager] of sales and marketing ([period]) and [name], who both in

turn reported to [name].

(742) [Name] was [manager] of sales and marketing until [date] and he was a central

figure with respect to Chunghwa's participation in competitor contacts both

regarding CDT and CPT and he reported directly to the [manager] of

Chunghwa, which was either [name] or [name], depending on the time. [Name]

has attended the highest level CRT meetings (until [date]) and was actively

involved in overseeing participation in the cartels that are the subject of this

Decision. He also retained […] authority to approve all price and other

agreements reached with competitors. His successor [name] also attended at

least one high level cartel meeting and reviewed meeting reports.

1518

(743) In light of the above considerations, the Commission holds Chunghwa Picture

Tubes Co., Ltd., Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. and CPTF

Optronics Co., Ltd. jointly and severally liable for the infringement concerning

CDT and the infringement concerning CPT for the entire duration of their

participation in the respective infringements (see Section 7 below).

6.2.2. Samsung

(744) The evidence described in Section 4 shows that Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.

participated in the infringement concerning CPT directly and via its subsidiaries

Samsung SDI Germany GmbH and Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. The

1516

[…]

1517

[…]

1518

[…]

EN 225 EN

evidence shows that in the CDT cartel Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. participated

directly and via its subsidiary Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Sdn., Bhd.

(745) SDI reacted on the reference to SDI as the "Samsung Group" […] and stated in

particular that "whilst it is true that SDI and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. do

have a close commercial relationaship, the Commission is wrong when it

asserts, in particular at paragraphs 80 and 168 of the SO, that the two

undertakings form part of a vertically integrated group".

1519

The shareholding

of Samsung Electronics in Samsung SDI was below 20% during the cartel

periods, without any special rights allowing Samsung Electronics either to

determine Samsung SDI's commercial conduct or even to block strategic

decisions. In the merger case, Samsung SDI/ Samsung Electronics/ SMD

1520

, the

Commission stated: "While SEC [Samsung Electronics] is its largest

shareholder in SDI with a 20.4% shareholding; the parties submit that this

stake does not confer any control over SDI. In particular, SEC does not have

any veto right over SDI's strategic business decisions."

(746) The Commission both holds the companies identified in Recital (744) liable for

their direct participation in the respective infringements and holds Samsung SDI

Co., Ltd. liable as parent company.

(747) During the time period of the infringements Samsung SDI Germany GmbH was

wholly owned by Samsung SDI and Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. was

majority owned by Samsung SDI

1521

. In the case of Samsung SDI Germany

GmbH which is a wholly owned subsidiary, the Commission presumes that the

parent company actually did exercise a decisive influence over the market

conduct of its subsidiary and consequently intends to hold the parent company

jointly and severally liable for the infringement committed by its subsidiary. In

the case of Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. (a majority owned subsidiary with

cross-ownership between its parent companies) the evidence in the possession

of the Commission shows that this entity did not act autonomously on the

market and that Samsung SDI actually exercised a decisive influence on this

subsidiary's conduct.

(748) In the case of Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad the first element demonstrating the

decisive influence of the parent company is the supervisory and management

role of Samsung SDI in Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. The decisions in

Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad were taken by a board of directors. The

company has three directors […]. The board of directors, which manages the

business of the company, takes its decisions by […] vote. Following from the

1519

[…]

1520

Commission Decision of 23 January 2009 in case M.5414 – Samsung SDI(/ Samsung Electronics/SMD.

1521

From 1996 to present, […], Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., and […] have owned [5-10%], [65-70%] and [25-

30%] respectively of the shares of Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Sdn., Bhd.. […] is a publicly listed

company in Korea and its most important activities are engineering, construction, trading and

investment businesses. […] is a subsidiary of […] and focuses on consumer and business electronic

products. […] is a publicly listed company in Korea manufacturing and selling electronic appliances to

the world. Samsung SDI has sold display products to SEC as a supplier. SEC owns [15-20%] of

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. as of 20 August, 2009; Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. owns [5-10%] of […] as of 25

August, 2009; […] owns [1-5%] of […] as of 28 August, 2009; and […] may own some shares of […].

Samsung SDI did not indicate the exact percentage of […] shares owned by […]. According to

Samsung SDI, those companies are independently managed and legally separate legal entities. […]

EN 226 EN

fact that Samsung SDI nominates […] the directors, it can effectively control

the decisions taken by the board of directors. Moreover, following [internal

decision making in decisions of strategic importance]. This means that these

decisions also are effectively in the hands of Samsung SDI as the majority

shareholder. Finally, Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad reported its annual

business plan […] to Samsung SDI […] for approval and the accounts of

Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad are consolidated in the accounts of Samsung

SDI.

1522

(749) Moreover, the arguments presented below relate to the decision-making process

and reporting lines between Samsung SDI and its subsidiaries and apply to both

Samsung SDI Germany GmbH and Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. These

arguments both demonstrate the exercise of decisive influence of Samsung SDI

over Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad and confirm and corroborate the

presumption of decisive influence of Samsung SDI over Samsung SDI Germany

GmbH. Moreover, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. has also itself listed Samsung SDI

(Malaysia) Berhad as its overseas subsidiary company

1523

(750) First, local management within the subsidiary companies had responsibility for

[internal daily management and organisation] but these decisions had to be

reviewed by headquarters before implementation. In the headquarters CRT

business division there were also special units responsible for coordinating CDT

and CPT sales, which were sub-divided in accordance with the region they were

in charge of. Each overseas subsidiary, including Malaysia and Germany,

reported to headquarters' CRT business division. The managers of subsidiaries

seem to have been regarded as overseas sales representatives of Samsung

SDI.

1524

Hence, it appears that final decisions in Samsung SDI's subsidiaries

engaged in CRT business were made by centralised management synchronising

and monitoring the behaviour of all subsidiaries.

(751) Second, the reporting lines of the individuals directly involved in the infringement

and participating in the meetings further confirm that Samsung SDI's

subsidiaries active in CRT business were not acting autonomously on the

market. In the case of Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad the reporting lines show

exercise of decisive influence by Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.. Moreover, there is

also evidence that the parent company Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. was fully aware

of participation by Samsung SDI Germany GmbH and Samsung SDI (Malaysia)

Berhad in the respective infringements, in which it also participated itself in

parallel. The same individuals that were participating in the cartel contacts were

recurrently holding consecutive senior management positions at either Samsung

SDI Germany GmbH or Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad and the parent

company Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.. Hence, the management level personnel

moved frequently between the parent company and the subsidiaries. In this

respect the following examples are illustrative:

1525

– [Name] – attended CPT cartel contacts as [manager] employed in Samsung

SDI (Malaysia) Berhad. During this time he reported to [managers] of

1522

[…]

1523

[…]

1524

[…]

1525

[…]

EN 227 EN

Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., (at that time among others [names]) who also

participated in cartel contacts. Prior to joining SDI Malaysia, [name] held a

[manager] position at Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. and was there responsible for the

CPT […] Team. From Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad he returned directly to

the parent company again as [manager] in CRT […] Team.

– [Name] – attended CPT cartel contacts as [manager] employed in Samsung

SDI Germany GmbH until [date] (thereafter in SDI headquarters). In that

position [name] reported to [manager] [name] or [name] who in turn reported

to the headquarters. Before joining Samsung SDI Germany GmbH, [name] had

responsibility for CPT […] at the parent company and he returned from

Germany to CRT […] functions at the parent company.

1526

– [Name] – attended both CDT and CPT cartel contacts as [manager] employed

in the Japan Office of Samsung SDI Co., Ltd., later in Samsung SDI

(Malaysia) Berhad, CPT […] Team in the headquarters, Taiwan Office of SDI,

CDT […] Team in the headquarters. During this time he reported to

[managers] of Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. ([names]). [Name] was thus also moving

between the parent company Samsung SDI Co., Ltd. and Samsung SDI

(Malaysia) Berhad.

– [Name] – who participated in both CDT and CPT cartel contacts, prior to

joining Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad as the [manager] responsible for CDT

[…] in South-East Asia, held the position of [manager] at the parent company

at the CDT […] Team and at the Taiwan office. He moved from Malaysia back

to the parent company's CDT […] Team as [manager] responsible for CDT

[…].

(752) Samsung SDI Germany GmbH stopped production [date] but continued the sales

of CPTs [period] and its participation in the CPT cartel well beyond December

2005. For example, at the meeting of 19 September 2005 (see paragraph (447))

Samsung, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and Thomson aligned their positions in

Europe and discussed future strategy for 2006. Samsung was represented in the

meeting by [name] who at the time was employed by Samsung SDI Germany

GmbH. Additionally, at the meeting of 15 November 2006 with [Philips/LGE

joint venture] (see paragraph (453)), where participants reviewed their sales in

2006 and coordinated their sales plans for 2007, Samsung was represented by

[name] who at the time was [manager in] Samsung SDI Germany GmbH.

1527

(753) In light of the above considerations, the Commission holds Samsung SDI Co.,

Ltd., Samsung SDI Germany GmbH and Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad

jointly and severally liable for the infringement concerning CPT and Samsung

SDI Co., Ltd. and Samsung SDI (Malaysia) Berhad jointly and severally liable

for the infringement concerning CDT for the entire duration of their

participation in the respective infringements (see Section 7 below).

1526

[…]

1527

[…]

EN 228 EN

6.2.3. Philips

(754) Two periods must be distinguished in the attribution of liability for Philips: before

and after the transfer of Philips' CRT business to the [Philips/LGE joint

venture], comprised of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and its subsidiaries.

(755) The evidence referred to in Section 4 […] shows that subsidiaries of Koninklijke

Philips Electronics N.V. ("KPE N.V"), as set out in in Section 2.2.1.3 above,

participated in the CDT and CPT cartels until the transfer of its CRT business to

the [Philips/LGE joint venture] on 1 July 2001. Therefore, KPE N.V. is held

liable as a parent company for the entire duration of their participation until the

aforesaid transfer on 1 July 2001. From 1 July 2001 onwards KPE N.V. is held

liable for the participation of the [Philips/LGE joint venture], including

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and its subsidiaries, in the CDT

and CPT cartels. From 1 July 2001 onwards the Commission holds KPE N.V.

jointly and severally liable with the other parent company LG Electronics Inc.

for the infringements committed by the [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company] and its subsidiaries (see Section 6.2.5 below for liability for the joint

venture and Section7 below for the duration

1528

(756) […] Philips submits that the Commission is wrong in suggesting that KPE N.V.

participated directly in the CDT and CPT infringement. Instead, it submits that

the individuals involved in the cartels were employed by subsidiaries in Philips'

Business Group Display Components. While Philips remarks that these

individuals never reported their alleged illicit activities to KPE N.V. and were,

upon creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture], transferred to the joint-venture,

Philips did not contest the attribution of liability to KPE N.V. for the period

until 1 July 2001.[…]

1529

(757) In this regard it is pointed out that […]. Moreover, in its responses to the

Commission's requests to identify the legal entities that have dealt with CRTs

and the legal entities in which the individuals involved in the cartels were

employed, Philips responded that its organisation was based on operating

companies owned by Philips and also indicated that the individuals identified by

the Commission were employed in "Philips entity", "Philips entity (Business

Group Display Components)', "Philips entity (Regional Sales Department,

Business Group Display Components , Asia/ Pacific Region)", "Philips entity

(Consumer Electronics)" or "Philips entity (Display Components)". Philips did

not name any specific subsidiary by which the specified individuals were

employed

1530

The explanations and documents that Philips provided show that

CRT Philips' business was part of the Component Product Division, mainly

organised around two legal entities (Philips Component International B.V. and

Philips Component B.V.), which belong directly to KPE N.V.

1531

1528

The duration concerns the involvement of the undertaking that was active in the CRT business for

involvement of which KPE N.V. is liable and does therefore not distinguish between the different legal

entities within the undertaking.

1529

[…]

1530

[…]

1531

[…] Philips request for information reply of 28 January 2008, […].

EN 229 EN

(758) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 ([…]

1532

) that at least the

following individuals employed by legal entities within the Philips Group were

involved in the CDT cartel contacts between 28 January 1997 and 30 June 2001:

[list of names]. Some of these individuals (in particular [names]

1533

) continued

to participate in the CDT cartel contacts when they were employed by the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group.

(759) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 ([…]

1534

) that at least the

following individuals employed by legal entities within the Philips Group were

involved in the CPT cartel contacts between 21 September 1999 and 30 June

2001: [list of names]. Some of these individuals (namely [names]

1535

) continued

to participate in the CPT cartel contacts when they were employed by the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group.

(760) At least one piece of evidence relating to the CPT cartel contacts shows reporting

on cartel matters to top management of the Philips Group up to the [manager] of

the Philips' Business Group Display Components, sent from [name] to

[names].

1536

(761) During its investigation, the Commission made enquiries to KPE N.V. about a

number of individuals within Philips Group

1537

. In this respect, it should be

noted that KPE N.V. has stated that for the period prior to 1 July 2001 certain

information (for example detailed information regarding employment of

individuals), is partly unavailable to KPE N.V. because files related to the CRT

business were generally transferred to the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group.

Further, KPE N.V. has also stated that any detailed information and

documentation regarding the period after the transfer of the entire CRT business

by KPE N.V. to the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group as of 1 July 2001 is

largely unavailable to KPE N.V., as KPE N.V. does not have access to the

information, documentation and employees of the [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group.

1538

(762) It results from the evidence referred to in Section 4 ([…]

1539

) that during the

period between 28 January 1997 and 30 June 2001 the individuals listed in

Recital (758) were employed by at least one of the following legal entities of

Philips Group: [list of Philips' subsidiaries].

(763) It results from the evidence referred to in Section 4 ([…]

1540

) that during the

period between 21 September 1999 and 30 June 2001 the individuals listed in

Recitals (759) and (760) were employed by at least one of the following legal

entities of the Philips Group or were authorised to represent some of them: [list

of Philips' subsidiaries].

1532

[…]

1533

See below, Recital (844).

1534

[…]

1535

See Recital (844).

1536

[…]

1537

[…]

1538

[…]

1539

[…]

1540

[…]

EN 230 EN

(764) In addition to the above, in a number of pieces evidence on collusive contacts

(that are referred to in Section 4 […]), while the reference to the participation of

Philips is unambiguous, no names of individuals or exact legal entities are

mentioned.

(765) All the legal entities listed in Recitals (762) and (763) that participated in the

infringements were directly or indirectly wholly owned by KPE N.V., with the

exception of [Philips' subsidiary].

1541

The Commission imputes parental liability

to KPE N.V. for the infringement in which its subsidiaries directly participated.

It results from the case-law that in case of 100% ownership, the parent company

has the ability to exercise decisive influence over the commercial policy of its

subsidiary and is presumed to have actually exercised that decisive influence,

without the need for the Commission to adduce further evidence in that

regard.

1542

(766) In addition to the Parental Liability Presumption, a number of elements confirm

that the subsidiaries within the Philips Group that were active in the CRT

business did not act autonomously from KPE N.V. In that respect, the

functioning of the Philips Group, which was organized through a large number

of directly and indirectly held subsidiaries across the world

1543

, shows the

primacy of the operative organisation over the legal structure . KPE N.V.

business activities were organized through Product Divisions, Businesses,

Regions and Country Organizations. Instructions were given from the very top

of Philips management, to which reporting was made by the different teams and

managers. This is demonstrated by the following elements.

(767) [Philips] describes the Group's Organisation in the following manner. At strategy

level, the Supervisory Board ("SB") of KPE N.V. had supervisory and advisory

responsibilities over a Board of Management ("BoM"). The BoM managed KPE

N.V. and the general direction and strategy of the Philips Group as a whole. It

was supported in its parenting tasks by the Corporate Staff, incorporated in

Philips International B.V.

1544

. The general policies of the Philips Group were

adopted by General Management Committee ("GMC"), consisting of the

members of the BoM, Chairmen of most of the Product Divisions and some

other officers appointed by the SB.

1545

(768) The BoM decided on several basic subjects, in relation to Product Divisions

("PDs"), National Organisations ("NOs") and Regions, , inter alia on the

management of the financial resources and allocation thereof to finance the

operations of the Group, on the legal and organizational structure and on the

means to monitor and control decentralization of powers within the Group. It

decided also on appointment, dismissal and remuneration of PDs’ top manager

and Boards.

(769) [Philips] describes a similar organisation with one slight difference concerning the

GMC, presented as a forum for the exchange of views and joint decision-

1541

[…]

1542

See Recital (723).

1543

[…]

1544

[…]

1545

[…]

EN 231 EN

making, and some further explanations on the BoM. In that respect, [Philips]

states that the BoM lead and managed the Group by means of a "Corporate

Center", acting as a strategic controller. This "Corporate Center" consisted of

the BoM, the GMC, Corporate Staffs, Corporate Services and Corporate

Technology.

1546

The BoM appointed Regional Executives, who had to ensure a

proper Philips presence in the specific region, as well as Country Managers who

worked on behalf of the PDs and the BoM and reported to the Regional

Executives. Some of the major decisions by PD, Regional and NO management

needed prior BoM approval

1547

. Moreover, it is noted that KPE N.V. provided

financing for the whole Group and was party to major cooperation with third

parties, for example joint ventures, which are important to the Group as a

whole.

1548

(770) [It] is clearly stated that any company structure should fit into the legal and

organizational set-up of the Philips Group. Also, the division of powers and

responsibilities between PDs and NOs as well as any incorporation of activities

into a separate legal entity required the prior approval of the BoM.

1549

(771) The operational responsibility for the activities of the Philips Group was in the

PDs, the management of which was incorporated in PD management

companies. Within PDs there were often separate business segments (Business

Units, Business Groups). While geographically, the activities of the Philips

Group were organized per country through subsidiaries, mostly held by NOs,

their role was to support the activities of the PDs and to represent the Philips

Group in the respective country.

1550

(772) […], [D]uring the relevant period, the entire CRT business was organised in the

business unit Business Group Display Components ("BGDC") within the

Products Division Components ("PDC").

1551

It was a business unit of the overall

Philips Group, not a standalone entity.

1552

As already described above, the

businesses were not organised according to legal entities, but in divisions

according to the various businesses.

1553

The primary dimension of the

organization was the product axis, organised in different legal entities (in which

KPE N.V. held 100% of the shares). The global management of the different

Product Divisions had the power and authority to direct the businesses.

1554

(773) The PDC and BGDC encompassed different legal entities whose role was

functional and supportive.

1555

The global management of the entire PDC was

provided by the Executive Management Team, whose members were employed

by Philips Components International B.V. (this entity did not employ any other

person)

1556

. Likewise, members of the BGDC Management Team, which was

1546

[…]

1547

[…]

1548

[…]

1549

[…]

1550

[…]

1551

[…]

1552

[…]

1553

[…]

1554

[…]

1555

[…]

1556

[…]

EN 232 EN

responsible for the global management of the entire CRT business

1557

and

combined functional, regional and product responsibilities

1558

, were employed

by Philips Components B.V.

1559

The BGDC Management team was ultimately

responsible for pricing, production volumes and capacity decisions relating to

CRT.

1560

(774) The business in each region was organised around [manager], a member of the

Management Team, who was not employed by a dedicated legal entity but by

one company in the concerned region and linked (via an expatriation agreement)

to Philips International B.V., which was a wholly owned subsidiary of KPE

N.V.

1561

KPE N.V. also held 100% of the shares in the entities in which

Philips' regional and country organisations were organised.

1562

These regional or

country organisations could cover all or just one Product Division business and

could perform one or more functions (for example Research and Developement,

sales, marketing,). These entities typically had one or more wholly owned

subsidiaries in which the business of a particular Product Division or a

particular function for that business and country or region was organised.

1563

(775) The functioning of the undertaking shows the importance of centralised teams in

terms of management. The Management Team was headed by the [manager] of

the BGDC and consisted of persons with global responsibility (such as

technology, strategy, marketing,.) and of persons with commercial

responsibility for a region (the regions Europe, Asia-Pacific and Americas). The

persons with global responsibility had the task of translating the objectives

defined by the Management Team into functional strategies across product lines

and regions as well as taking the necessary measures to monitor the

implementation of those strategies, while also taking into account the guidelines

and directives from the Executive Management Team of the PDC and the

General Management Committee of KPE N.V. The persons with commercial

responsibility for a region had the tasks of executing the global strategies

established by the Executive Management Team, of developing regional

strategy and planning within the strategy and budget of the BGDC, of

contributing to the development of the strategy of the BGDC, for regional sales,

production, HR, amongst others. They were supported and employed

1564

country organisations, which consisted of one or more entities. Since 1999, the

[managers] for the regions where the center for the CDT and CPT production

was located had simultaneously the function of [managers] for CDT and CPT

respectively.

(776) In the organisation of the CRT business, the chain of reporting followed the

functional and operational structure rather than a legal structure. The entities

reported to the [managers], who reported to the Management Team of the

1557

[…]

1558

[…]

1559

[…]

1560

[…]

1561

[…]

1562

With the exception of [Philips' subsidiary].

1563

[…]

1564

[…] The exception was the [manager] […], employed by Philips Components B.V., as were the other

members of the Management Team.

EN 233 EN

Business Group and in particular to the [manager]. The [manager] reported to

the Executive Management Team of the division, and in particular to the [

manager] of the Executive Management Team. The [manager] of the Executive

Management Team reported directly to the BoM and the GMC (which included

the [manager] of the division) of KPE N.V.

1565

(777) The Commission also imputes liability to KPE N.V. for the infringement in which

[Philips' subsidiary] directly participated. The elements in Recitals (778) to

(780) show that [Philips' subsidiary] did not act autonomously but was subject

to the actual exercise of the decisive influence by KPE N.V., which was in

addition the only one of [Philips' subsidiary] shareholders to have also

individuals from other legal entities attending the cartel contacts in the same

period. The parental liability of KPE N.V. is based on the following

considerations.

(778) First, KPE N.V. held indirectly a majority of shares while the other shareholders

of [Philips' subsidiary] were not granted any special rights in the joint venture

agreement.

1566

The largest share in [Philips' subsidiary] after that of KPE N.V.'s

belonged to [CRT producer] […]

1567

put KPE N.V. in a position to exercise

decisive influence over [Philips' subsidiary's] market conduct.

1568

(779) The articles of association

1569

and the joint venture agreement

1570

of [Philips'

subsidiary] give KPE N.V. the power to exercise decisive influence. In

particular, the number of Directors as representatives of the Parties on the Board

of Directors, which is the highest authority of the Joint Venture and decides on

all major issues, is proportionate to the contributions to the registered capital.

1571

Moreover, Article 8.8 of [Philips' subsidiary] Joint Venture Agreement

envisages that the remuneration and some other costs shall be paid by the Party

by which the relevant Director is appointed. According to Article 8.4 of the

[Philips' subsidiary] Joint Venture Agreement, the Board of Directors (BoD)

decides only by simple majority vote for all business, with the exception of

specific listed issues.

1572

The day-to-day management was to be conducted by

the Management Committee. The Management Committee was headed and led

by the [manager] and had at least four other members, [list of the four manager

nominations]. All members were appointed by the Board of Directors from

candidates nominated by the participants. Appointments were for the period of

two years. Article 9.3 envisages that the [manager] shall be appointed

alternatively and in turn at the nomination of [CRT producer] and Philips and

that the same applies for the appointment of the [manager].

1573

According to

article 31 of [Philips' subsidiary] articles of association, the Management

1565

[…]

1566

[…]

1567

[…]

1568

Case T-141/89, Tréfileurope v Commission [1995] ECR II-791, para 129.

1569

[…]

1570

[…]

1571

Article 8.2 of the Joint Venture Agreement, […].

1572

[…] With the amendment of 26 January 1998, Article 8.2 was changed and Philips was authorised to

appoint 6 out of 11 members in the BoD […].

1573

[…]

EN 234 EN

Committee has to present for the approval of BoD a detailed report on the

general, technical, commercial and financial results of the company.

(780) The facts referred to in Recitals (766) to (776) apply also to [Philips' subsidiary].

[Philips' subsidiary's] employees were referred to in the cartel contacts as

representatives of Philips. In particular, KPE N.V. appointed 6 out of 11

members of the Board of Directors and 2 of the 4 members of the Management

Committee. The fact that KPE N.V. appointed several members of these boards

shows that it actually exercised the powers granted to it by the articles of

association and the joint venture agreement. In addition, in the exercise of its

activity, [Philips' subsidiary] was also able to present itself as part of the Philips

Group. In particular, Article 17.1 of the joint venture agreement foresees that

the Philips trademarks can be used free of charge on the products made by

[Philips' subsidiary] under the rules in this article.

1574

Moreover, Philips

presented this company as part of the Philips Group in a similar manner to the

wholly owned companies (for example [Philips' subsidiaries].): "[Philips'

subsidiary] was a joint venture of the country organization for [non EU/EEA

territory] which supported the [manager] for the CRT business in [non EU/EEA

territory]".

1575

Likewise, [Philips' subsidiary] representatives were reporting to

different people within the Philips Group. In particular, the [manager of Philips'

subsidiary] was reporting to the [manager] and [name], responsible for Sales

and Marketing in [Philips' subsidiary] who participated in both CDT and CPT

cartel contacts, was directly reporting to the [manager] of the BGDC.

1576

(781) The cartel contacts were attended by numerous people, at all the level of

management, up to top level. In a number of pieces of evidence on collusive

contacts no names of participating individuals or of exact legal entity were

mentioned but the documents contain reference to the participation of Philips.

Therefore, taking into account that all the entities that were conducting CRT

business activity were part of the operational structure under the ultimate parent

KPE N.V., the Commission concludes that also for these collusive contacts

where no names of individuals or of exact legal entity were mentioned the

participation of the Philips Group is established. In that respect, the Court has

stated that the purpose of the Commission investigations and decisions is not as

a rule to establish that certain physical persons participated in a cartel but to

establish that undertakings did so, in breach of Article 101(1) of the Treaty

1577

In the present case, and given the description provided by Philips during the

investigation about the functioning of the CRT business

1578

, it is concluded that

all the Philips' CRT business constituted a single undertaking, consisting of

legal entities controlled by KPE N.V. The latter had the power to control and

1574

[…]

1575

[…]

1576

[…]

1577

T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraph 159.

1578

See Recitals (766) to (776). In particular, KPE N.V. held 100% of the shares in the entities in which

Philips' regional and country organisations were organised (With the exception of [Philips' subsidiary]

in [non EU/EEA territory]) and the business in each region was organised around [manager], member of

the Management Team, who was not employed by a dedicated legal entity but by […] company […]

and linked (via an expat agreement) to [Philips' subsidiary], which was a wholly owned subsidiary of

KPE N.V.

EN 235 EN

actually controlled the Philips entities involved in the CRT business. Therefore,

when the evidence showing involvement of Philips Group does not directly

spell out which entity in the Philips Group was directly involved in each of the

CDT and CPT cartel contacts, which were part of a chain of long duration,

recurrent (monthly or even weekly) cartel contacts where subsidiaries across the

Philips Group participated (both at top and working level) and in which

participants were referred to as Philips' representatives and discussed about

Philips Group overall, the Commission holds KPE N.V. liable in its quality of

the ultimate parent company of all subsidiaries that were active in the CRT

sector.

(782) Philip Groups' CRT business was transferred to the joint venture [Philips/LGE

joint venture] on 1 July 2001. The transfer of the assets and CRT activities

1579

from Philips to [Philips/LGE joint venture] was accomplished through an asset

or liabilities transaction. Prior to the execution of the transfer, new legal entities

were created, to which the assets were transferred. The shares of these new legal

entities were subsequently transferred to [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company] or to one of its subsidiaries. The Philips subsidiaries whose CRT

business was transferred and which had also other activities continued to

operate within the Philips Group after the transfer. The shares of the Philips

subsidiaries conducting (almost) exclusively CRT activities were directly

transferred to [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] or to one of its

subsidiaries.

1580

(783) Since KPE N.V is the ultimate parent company of the Philips Group's companies

that were active in the CRT sector, the Commission intends to retain all Philips'

entities that were active in the CRT business as the undertaking subject to

Article 101 of the Treaty proceedings in the present case. The Court has stated

that the Commission may choose to penalise either the subsidiary that

participated in the infringement or the parent company that controlled it during

that period alone

1581

. In this case, as explained in Recitals (766) to (776),

Philips' business organisation for CRTs was more functional than legal. Even

though persons involved in the cartel contacts may have been employed by

certain legal entities, functionally they operated under the division structure that

was directed from the top of the Phillips Group. In view of the above, given the

overall organisation of the CRT business in and by the Philips Group, the

1579

That is all the right, title and interest in and to all assets, properties and rights (including all intellectual

property rights, accounts, inventories, contracts, books and records) used in connection with the Philips

CRT business (including research and development, manufacturing, marketing and sales activities). In

particular, Philips transferred twenty two factories located in Europe, China and North and South

America.

1580

[…]

1581

In BPB, for example, the General Court concluded that within a single economic entity (one

undertaking) the Commission was entitled to hold the parent company alone liable for the infringement

committed through its subsidiary in one market, but hold only the subsidiary liable in another market,

given the features particular to each of the two markets, and although parent and subsidiary constituted

a single economic unit on both markets. Case T-65/89, BPB Industries Plc and British Gypsum Ltd v

Commission, [1993] ECR II-389, paragraph 154,

confirmed by Case C-310/93, BPB Industries plc and

British Gypsum Ltd v Commission, [1995] ECR I-865. See also Joined Cases T-259/02 to T-264/02 and

T-271/02, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich, paragraph 331 and Case T-299/08, Elf Aquitaine SA v

Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 60.

EN 236 EN

Commission considers it appropriate to address this Decision only to the parent

company of Philips Group, Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V., instead of

addressing also Philips' subsidiaries.

1582

(784) In that respect, Philips argues

1583

that [a Philips' subsidiary] has not been part of

the same undertaking as KPE N.V. during the present proceedings and that

because the Statement of Objections and the Supplementary Statement of

Objections were not addressed to [this Philips' subsidiary], the latter was not at

KPE N.V.'s disposal when responding to requests for information and to the

objections raised by the Commission. In addition, not also addressing [Philips'

subsidiary] will restrict KPE N.V.'s ability to have recourse against [Philips'

subsidiary]. Here it must be pointed out that in […] [Philips' subsidiary] ceased

all activities, in […] it was declared bankrupt and is currently being wound-up

(see Recital (50)). Moreover, despite the unavailability of [Philips' subsidiary]

alleged by Philips, Philips has submitted evidence concerning the period after

the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] […] including pieces of information

about [Philips' subsidiary]. Furthermore, it is up to the parent company to ensure

it has the elements to defend itself against its personal liability as parent

company being part of the same economic unit with its subsidiaries, by having

kept archives or by any other means, for instance through an agreement to

have access to documents of the subsidiary. Therefore, even if a parent

company no longer has access to its subsidiary's documents, it could have

secured access to the documents on contractual grounds. It is the fault of the

parent companies if they deleted back up, returned archives, and so forth, and

did not foresee any solution to be able to access the relevant documents if

needed

1584

(785) Philips claims that for the establishment of the alleged participation of the Philips

Group in the alleged CRT cartels the Commission relies to a significant extent

on the alleged participation of [Philips' subsidiary]. However, as can be seen

from Section 4 above […], this claim does not correspond to the facts of the

case.

(786) Therefore, the Commission holds Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. liable for

exercise of decisive influence as parent company over its subsidiaries directly

involved in the infringements, concerning respectively CDT for the period

between 29 January 1997 and 30 June 2001 and CPT for the period between 29

September 1999 and 30 June 2001 (see Section 7 below for the duration).

(787) From 1 July 2001 onwards Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. participated in

the CDT and CPT cartels through the joint venture [Philips/LGE joint venture]

1582

In the same way, parents were held liable alone, for instance, in the Commission's Decisions of 23 April

1986 in Case IV/31.149 – Polypropylene, OJ 1986 L 230, p. 1; the Commission's Decision 89/22/EEC

of 5 December 1988 in Case IV/31.900 – BPB Industries plc, OJ 1989, L 10, p. 50; the Commission's

Decision 94/599/CE of 27 July 1994 in Case IV/31 865 – PVC, OJ L 239, p. 14, Recitals 44 et 45; the

Commission's Decision 94/601/CE of 13 July 1994 in Case IV/C/33.833 – Cartonboard, OJ L 243, p. 1;

the Commission's Decisions of 30 October 2002 in Case COMP/35.587 – PO Video Games, Case

COMP/35.706 – PO Nintendo Distribution and Case COMP/36.321 – Omega/Nintendo, OJ L 255 of

8.10.2003, p. 23, Recital 355.

1583

[…]

1584

Case T-372/10, Bolloré v Commission, not yet reported, paragraphs 50 and 137. Also case T-161/05

Hoechst, paragraph 171.

EN 237 EN

and from that moment onwards the Commission holds it jointly and severally

liable with the other parent company LG Electronics Inc. for the infringements

committed by the joint venture (see Section 6.2.5 below regarding the joint

venture and Section 7 for the duration).

6.2.4. LG Electronics

(788) Two periods must be distinguished in the attribution of liability for LG

Electronics Inc. ("LGE Inc."): before and after the transfer of LGE’s CRT

business to the [Philips/LGE joint venture], comprised of [Philips/LGE joint

venture's parent company] and its subsidiaries. The evidence referred to in

Section 4 […] shows that companies of the LGE Group, […], including LGE

Inc., participated in the CDT and CPT cartels until the transfer of the CRT

business to the [Philips/LGE joint venture] on 1 July 2001. In the present

Decision, LGE Inc. is held liable for the entire duration of their participation

until the aforesaid transfer on 1 July 2001. From 1 July 2001 onwards LGE Inc.

is held liable for the participation of the [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company] and its subsidiaries in the CDT and the CPT cartel. From 1 July 2001

onwards the Commission holds LGE Inc. jointly and severally liable with the

other parent company KPE N.V. for the infringements committed by the

[Philips/LGE joint venture], comprised of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company] and its subsidiaries (see Section 6.2.5 below regarding the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and Section 7 below for the duration

1585

(789) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 […] and from the

information provided by LGE

1586

that at least the following individuals

employed by legal entities within the LGE Group were involved in the CDT

cartel contacts between 24 October 1996 and 30 June 2001: [list of names].

1587

Some of these individuals continued to participate in cartel contacts when they

were employed by the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group.

(790) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 […] and from the

information provided by LGE

1588

that at least the following individuals

employed by legal entities within the LGE Group were involved in the CPT

cartel contacts between 3 December 1997 and 30 June 2001: [list of names].

1589

Some of these individuals continued to participate in cartel contacts when they

were employed by the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group.

(791) During the proceedings, the Commission enquired about a number of individuals

within LGE Group, including the individuals listed in Recitals (789) and (790)

(except [name]).

1590

LGE was able to provide information on eight individuals

still employed by LGE Inc. or one of its subsidiaries at the time of the request,

including two of the above-listed individuals ([names]).

1591

It indicated that it

1585

The duration concerns the involvement of the undertaking active in the CRT business from which

involvement LG Electronics, Inc is liable and does therefore not distinguish between the different legal

entities within the undertaking.

1586

[…]

1587

[…]

1588

[…]

1589

[…]

1590

[…]

1591

[…] Later on, clarifications on the given information were requested and provided by LGE […].

EN 238 EN

has limited information with which to respond to the Commission because all

relevant records, assets and employees were transferred to [Philips/LGE joint

venture's parent company] when it was created in July 2001.

1592

(792) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 […] and from the

information provided by LGE

1593

that the individuals listed in Recital (789)

were employed during the period between 24 October 1996 and 30 June 2001

by at least one of the following companies of the LGE Group: [list of LGE's

subsidiaries].

(793) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 […] and from the

information provided by LGE

1594

that the individuals listed in Recital (790)

were employed during the period between 3 December 1997 and 30 June 2001

by at least one of the following companies (or were able to represent some of

them): [list of LGE's subsidiaries].

(794) In addition, in a number of pieces of evidence of collusive contacts (that are

referred to in Section 4 […]), while the reference to the participation of LGE is

unambiguous, no names of individuals or exact legal entity of the LGE Group

are mentioned.

1595

(795) All the legal entities listed in Recitals (792) and (793) that participated in the

infringements were directly or indirectly wholly owned by LGE Inc.

1596

The

Commission imputes parental liability to LGE Inc. for the infringement in

which it and its subsidiaries directly participated. According to the case–law, in

case of 100% ownership, the parent company has the ability to exercise decisive

influence over the commercial policy of its subsidiary and is presumed to have

actually exercised that decisive influence, without the need for the Commission

to adduce further evidence in that regard.

1597

(796) In addition to the Parental Liability Presumption, a number of elements confirm

that the subsidiaries listed in Recitals (792) and (793) did not act autonomously

from LGE Inc.

(797) With respect to the Commission's questions on the functioning of the decision

making process within the group, LGE replied that it did not have the

information, because the personnel, books and records related to LGE’s

manufacturing and sales operations were transferred to [Philips/LGE joint

venture].

1598

(798) On the basis of the available evidence, it has to be noted that LGE Inc. is an

operational company, which was active in the CRT sector

1599

and which also

1592

[…]

1593

[…]

1594

[…]

1595

There is also evidence in the file mentioning individuals clearly identified as being part of the LGE

group as participants to the cartel contacts, but for whom LGE did not provide the name of the company

by which they were employed and the Commission was not able to retrieve this information. These

individuals are the following: [list of names].

1596

[…]

1597

See Recital (723).

1598

[…]

1599

[…]

EN 239 EN

participated directly in the cartel contacts. In that respect, it results from the

information provided by LGE that a number of the participants were employed

in functional teams within LGE, such as for instance [CRT business teams with

responsibility for e.g. export, sales, marketing, planning].

1600

(799) Moreover, the information LGE Inc. was able to provide on the careers of

individuals participating in cartel contacts shows that managers moved

frequently between the parent company and the subsidiaries which enabled flow

of information between the headquarters and the subsidiaries.

1601

In particular,

concerning [LGE's subsidiary], [names], managers participating in the CPT and

CDT cartel meetings, were employed by [LGE's subsidiary] at the time of their

participation in the meetings but before and after that period they were

employed directly by the parent company. Likewise, concerning [LGE's

subsidiary], [name], manager participating in the CPT cartel meetings, was

employed by [LGE's subsidiary] at the time of its participation in the meetings

and was before that period employed directly by the parent company.

1602

(800) The cartel contacts were attended by numerous people, at all levels of

management, up to the top level. In a number of pieces of evidence on collusive

contacts no names of participating individuals or of exact legal entities were

mentioned but the documents contain reference to the participation of LGE.

Therefore, taking into account that all the entities that were conducting CRT

business activity were part of the operational structure under the ultimate parent

LGE Inc., the Commission concludes that for such collusive contacts where no

names of individuals or of exact legal entity were mentioned the participation of

the LGE Group is established. In that respect, the Court has stated that the

purpose of the Commission investigations and decisions is not as a rule to

establish that certain physical persons participated in a cartel but to establish

that undertakings did so, in breach of Article 101(1) EC

1603

. In the present case,

given that LGE Inc. exercised decisive influence over the subsidiaries

participating in the cartel contacts, it is concluded that LGE Inc. and its

subsidiaries constituted a single undertaking. LGE Inc. had the power to control

and actually controlled the functioning of the CRT activity, until it decided to

completely reorganise it by changing the structure and transferring the business

to a joint venture with KPE N.V.. Therefore, when the documentary evidence

showing involvement of the LGE Group does not directly spell out which entity

in the LGE Group was directly involved in each of the CDT and CPT cartel

contacts, which were part of a chain of long duration, recurrent (monthly or

even weekly) cartel contacts where subsidiaries across the LGE Group

participated (both at top and working level) and in which participants were

referred to as LGE's representatives and discussed the LGE Group overall, the

Commission holds LGE Inc. liable as a direct participant and in its quality of the

ultimate parent company of the subsidiaries that participated in the cartel

contacts.

1600

[…]

1601

[…]

1602

[…]

1603

T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraph 159.

EN 240 EN

(801) LGE Group’s CRT business was transferred to the [Philips/LGE joint venture] on

1 July 2001. The transfer of the assets and CRT activities from LGE to

[Philips/LGE joint venture] was accomplished through an asset or liabilities

transaction. Prior to the execution of the transfer, new legal entities were

created, to which the assets were transferred. The shares to these entities were

subsequently transferred to [Philips/LGE joint venture] o[r] one of its

subsidiaries. In particular, [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] was created

for the purpose of the transfer of LGE’s CRT business to [Philips/LGE joint

venture].

1604

(802) Since LGE Inc., as the ultimate parent company, exercised decisive influence over

the LGE Group's companies that were involved in the cartel contacts, the

Commission intends to retain LGE Inc. and its subsidiaries as the undertaking

subject to Article 101 of the Treaty proceedings in the present case. The Court

has stated that the Commission may choose to penalise either the subsidiary that

participated in the infringement or the parent company that controlled it during

that period alone

1605

. In this case, as explained in Recitals (798) and (799),

LGE’s business for CRTs was organised in a functional way under the lead of

LGE Inc. which is an operational company, and which was active in the CRT

sector and participated directly in the cartel contacts. Even though certain

persons involved in the cartel contacts may have been employed by certain

other subsidiaries, they received direction from the top level of the LGE Group.

In view of the above, and given the overall organisation of the CRT business in

and by the LGE Group, the Commission considers it appropriate to address this

Decision only to the parent company of LGE Group, LG Electronics Inc.,

instead of addressing it also to LGE’s subsidiaries.

1606

(803) Therefore, the Commission holds LG Electronics Inc. liable for its direct

participation and also for the exercise of decisive influence as parent company

over its subsidiaries directly involved in the infringements, concerning

respectively CDT for the period between 24 October 1996 and 30 June 2001

and CPT for the period between 3 December 1997 and 30 June 2001 (see

Section 7 below for the duration).

(804) From 1 July 2001 onwards LG Electronics Inc. participated in the CDT and CPT

cartels through the joint venture, [Philips/LGE joint venture] and from that

1604

[…]

1605

In BPB, for example, the General Court concluded that within a single economic entity (one

undertaking) the Commission was entitled to hold the parent company alone liable for the infringement

committed through its subsidiary in one market, but hold only the subsidiary liable in another market,

given the features particular to each of the two markets, and although parent and subsidiary constituted

a single economic unit on both markets. Case T-65/89, BPB Industries, paragraph 154,

confirmed by

Case C-310/93, BPB Industries. See also Joined Cases T-259/02 to T-264/02 and T-271/02, Raiffeisen

Zentralbank Österreich, paragraph 331 and Case T-299/08, Elf Aquitaine, paragraph 60.

1606

In that respect, see, among other cases where parents were held liable alone, the Commission's Decision

of 23 April 1986 86/398/EEC in Case IV/31.149 – Polypropylene, OJ 18.8.1986 L 230, p. 1; the

Commission's Decision 89/22/EEC of 5 December 1988 in Case IV/31.900 – BPB Industries plc OJ

13.1.1989, L 10, p. 50; the Commission's Decision 94/599/CE of 27 July 1994 in Case IV/31 865 –

PVC, OJ L 239 14.9.1994, , p. 14, Recitals 44 et 45; the Commission's Decision 94/601/CE of 13 July

1994 in Case IV/C/33.833 – Cartonboard, OJ L 243, 13.07.1994, p. 1; the Commission's Decisions of

30 October 2002 in Case COMP/35.587 – PO Video Games, Case COMP/35.706 – PO Nintendo

Distribution and Case COMP/36.321 – Omega/Nintendo, OJ L 255 of 8.10.2003, p. 23, Recital 355.

EN 241 EN

moment onwards it is jointly and severally liable with the other parent company

Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. for the infringements committed by the

joint venture (see Section 6.2.5 below for the joint venture and Section 7 below

for the duration).

6.2.5. [Philips/LGE joint venture]

6.2.5.1. The Commission's findings

(805) The evidence referred to in Section 4 […] shows that the companies of the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, as defined in Section 2.2.1.5 above,

participated directly in the CDT and CPT cartels since the creation of the joint

venture. For the reasons explained in Recitals (806) to (854), Philips and LGE,

are held jointly and severally liable for the infringements committed by the

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and its subsidiaries (for duration

see Section 7).

(806) It results from the evidence referred to in Section 4 […] and from the other

information in the file

1607

that at least the following individuals employed by

legal entities within the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group were involved in the

CDT cartel contacts between 1 July 2001 and 14 March 2006

1608

: [list of

names]. Some of these individuals were employed before 1 July 2001 either by

a legal entity of the Philips Group or by a legal entity of the LGE Group and

were at that time already involved in the CDT cartel contacts.

1609

(807) Evidence relating to the CDT cartel contacts shows reporting on cartel matters to

[senior management] of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, up to the […],

for instance:

– The minutes of the meeting of 1 October 2001 between [Philips/LGE joint

venture], SDI, [CDT producer] and CPT

1610

were sent by [name]

1611

[names]

1612

and [name]

1613

– An e-mail of 6 March 2002 was sent from [name] to [name] reporting on the

results of telephone conversations with CPT of 6 and 7 March 2002

1614

;

– The minutes of the top meeting of 17 June 2003 between CPT, SDI and

[Philips/LGE joint venture], during which the attendees agreed with a principle

to "obey the agreements of [senior management] decision"

1615

, were sent by

[name] to [names].

1616

1607

In particular the reply of the [officer] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the Commission's Request for

Information of 10 January 2008 […] and the reply of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the Commission's

Request for Information of 7 January 2008 […]

1608

[…]

1609

See below, Recital (844).

1610

[…]

1611

According to the meeting evidence, [name] was at this time a […] CDT [manager] in [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiary] […].

1612

At this time, [name] was a [manager] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] […]

1613

At this time, [name] was [manager] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] […]

1614

[…]

1615

[…]

1616

[…]

EN 242 EN

– [Name]

1617

reported on the meeting of 27 January 2004 held between CPT,

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and SDI to [name] who in turn reported to

[name].

1618

(808) It appears from the evidence referred to in Section 4 […] and from the other

information in the file

1619

that at least the following individuals employed by

legal entities within the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group were involved in the

CPT cartel meetings and contacts between 1 July 2001 and 15 November

2006

1620

: [list of names]. Some of these individuals were before 1 July 2001

employed either by a legal entity of Philips Group or by a legal entity of LGE

Group and were at that time already involved in the CPT cartel contacts.

1621

(809) Evidence relating to the CPT cartel contacts shows proof of reporting on cartel

matters to [senior management] of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, for

instance:

– In an e-mail from 1 February 2002 from [senior manager] of the [Philips/LGE

joint venture] Group, to [name] reported on the anticompetitive meetings and

contacts from […] recent trip to Korea.

1622

– The minutes of the meeting of 24 January 2003 between SDI and [Philips/LGE

joint venture], attended by [name] and [name], were sent to [name] by

[name].

1623

– [Name] reported on cartel contact with MTPD of 26 July 2004 to [name] and

[name].

1624

– On 3 November 2004 [name] reported by e-mail on his bilateral contact with

SDI in Europe to [name], and sent the correspondence in copy to [names].

1625

– In January 2004 [name] exchanged some e-mails with the representatives of

SDI and Thomson in preparation for a meeting in Amsterdam, each time

copying [names] in to the correspondence.

1626

– On 11 January 2005 [name] reported to [names] on […] recent anticompetitive

meeting.

1627

(810) Since the creation of the joint venture, the individuals listed in Recitals (806) and

(807) were employed by at least one of the following legal entities within the

[Philips/LGE joint venture]

1628

: [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

1617

At that time [name] was […] [manager] at [Philips/LGE joint venture] […]

1618

[…]

1619

In particular the reply of the [officer] of [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiaries] to the Commission's

Request for Information dated 10 January 2008 […] and the reply of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the

Commission's Request for Information dated 7 January 2008 […]

1620

[…]

1621

See below, Recital (844).

1622

[…]

1623

At this time [name] was a [manager] at [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], […].

1624

[…]

1625

[…]

1626

[…]

1627

[…]

1628

In particular the reply of the [officer] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the Commission's Request for

Information of 10 January 2008 […] and reply of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the Commission's

EN 243 EN

company]

1629

, [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]

1630

, [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiaries].

1631

(811) Since the creation of the joint venture, the individuals listed in Recitals (808) and

(809) were employed by at least one of the following legal entities within the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group

1632

: [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company], [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiaries]

1633

, [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiaires].

1634

(812) With regard to the attendance at the CDT meetings, it is clear from the available

evidence that representatives of legal entities within the [Philips/LGE joint

venture]attended the meetings together with representatives of other legal

entities of the [Philips/LGE joint venture].

1635

(813) With regard to the attendance at the CPT meetings, it is clear from available

evidence that representatives of legal entities within the [Philips/LGE joint

venture] attended them together with representatives of other legal entities of

the [Philips/LGE joint venture].

1636

(814) In addition to the above, in a number of pieces of evidence on collusive contacts

(that are referred to in Section 4 […]), while the reference to the participation of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] is unambiguous, no names of individuals or exact

legal entity are mentioned.

(815) The information above is based on evidence in the file, replies to requests for

information […]. During the proceedings, the Commission made enquiries to

[Philips/LGE joint venture], Philips and LGE about a number of individuals

within the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group. The Commission did not get any

reply from [Philips/LGE joint venture] to some of the requests for information it

sent. The Commission also informed Philips and LGE during the proceedings

that it did not receive any response from the [officer] for a request to establish

non-confidential versions of [Philips/LGE joint venture's] […] documents. In

that context, Philips and LGE were informed which [Philips/LGE joint venture]

entities' documents the Commission referred to, but neither of the parties

provided any clarification on the [Philips/LGE joint venture] structure or

Request for Information of 7 January 2008 […]. See also reply to the Commissions' Request for

Information of 7 November 2007 submitted on 27 February 2008 by [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] […]

1629

In particular, [name] was between [period] a member of [Philips/LGE joint venture's] Board of

Management, […].

1630

[List of names] were employed by this entity, […].

1631

[…]

1632

In particular the reply of the [officer] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the Commission's Request for

Information dated 10 January 2008 […] and the reply of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to the

Commission's Request for Information dated 7 January 2008 […]. Also response to the Commissions'

Request for Information of 7 November 2007 submitted on 27 February 2008 by [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiary] […]

1633

[…]

1634

[…]

1635

See for instance meeting of 17 December 2001, 28 December 2001 and 28 September 2005. […]

1636

See for instance the meetings of 22 February 2002, 4 April 2002, 21 August 2001 and 20 November

2001. […]

EN 244 EN

indication as to whom the Commission could contact […].Moreover, in some

instances, Philips and LGE stated that they did not have information.

1637

The centralised functioning of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group

(816) All the legal entities listed in Recitals (810) and (811) were (directly or indirectly)

wholly owned by [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], with the

exception of […].

(817) The functioning of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group shows that the whole

Group was managed from the top

1638

as well as the as the primacy of the

operative organisation over the legal structure.

(818) At a holding level, the Supervisory Board the Supervisory Board supervised the

management and the general course of events. The Board of Management was

responsible for the daily management. The Group Management Team (and later

on the Executive Board) was responsible for developing and carrying out the

day-to-day policy as well as strategic and operational plans.

1639

(819) The management of the CRT activity was organised in dedicated legal entities,

wholly owned by [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], and, in

particular, organised around [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], which

managed the [parent] company and its subsidiaries pursuant to a management

agreement of [date] between it and [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company].

1640

(820) During the first year of [Philips/LGE joint venture subsidiary's] activity, at

operational level the rest of the CRT business was organised mainly regionally.

As of September 2002 (with a complete implementation in April 2003), the

management structure changed and the Group was directed centrally, instead of

regionally. The Group Management Team (regional management model) was

replaced by the Executive Board (central management model, see further details

on Executive Board composition in Recital (835)). The organisational structure

was centralised around the four members of the Executive Board, employed by

[Philips/LGE joint venture subsidiary].

1641

In particular, the decision-making

process as of the Executive Board, under the supervision of the Supervisory

Board was in hands of Executive Board, under the supervision of Supervisory

Board.

1642

1637

See, for example, the request for information reply of 19 May 2009, where LGE addressed the question

on [Philips/LGE joint venture] group structure and [Philips/LGE joint venture] entities having had sales

to the EEA by maintaining that it did not have information […]. In the request for information reply of

14 January 2008 […], LGE stated that it did not have information to reply to the large part of the

questions asked. With respect to the Commission's requests for information on […]

1638

In that respect, the [officer] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] stated that "[Philips/LGE joint venture's

parent company] managed (via [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]) its (indirect) subsidiaries and

was consequently, in other words, in control over its plants which have been manufacturing, selling and

purchasing CRTs"[…].

1639

[…]

1640

[…]

1641

Namely, the [manager], [name] until [date] and [name] after that date, the [manager], [name] until

[date], [name] until [date] and [name] after that date, the [manager], [name] until [date] and [name]

after that date, and the [manager], at this time […].

1642

[…]

EN 245 EN

(821) In this organisation, the chain of reporting was also functional and short: the

representatives of each entity reported to the regional sales organisations, which

reported to […] managers. The latter reported to the [senior management], who

reported to the [senior management]. After the change in the management

structure in 2003 […] sales organisation reported directly to the [senior

management].

1643

(822) The facts referred to in Recitals (816) to (821) apply also to [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiaries]. Although they were not wholly owned subsidiaries of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent companies], the following elements show

that [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiaries] did not act autonomously but

were under the decisive influence of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company]. [Philips/LGE joint venture] has itself stated that [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiaries] are "subsidiaries of "[Philips/LGE joint venture]" and

that "[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]is practically functioning as a

holding company for the other companies in the [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group, all of which are wholly or majority owned subsidiaries of "[Philips/LGE

joint venture's subsidiary]" in this context listing also these two companies

1644

The employees of [Philips/LGE joint venture subsidiaries] participating in the

cartel contacts were referred to in the cartel evidence as representatives of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group].

1645

. Moreover, the representatives of

[Philips/LGE joint venture subsidiary] were reporting to various individuals

within the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group up to the [manager].

1646

Likewise,

the representatives of [Philips/LGE subsidiary] were reporting to various

individuals within the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, and in particular to

the [manager] of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], the [manager],

to the [manager] and to a member of the Board of Management of [Philips/LGE

joint venture's parent company].

1647

(823) In the light of the facts referred to in Recitals (816) to (822), the Commission

could have imputed liability to [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company],

along with the ultimate parent companies KPE N.V. and LGE Inc., for the

infringements in which [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and its

own subsidiaries over which it exercised decisive influence participated.

However, following the time period of the infringements concerned by this

Decision, [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] was officially declared

bankrupt […] [in] 2006 following which [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] became the holding company for all viable companies of the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group that continued to operate. [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiary], for its turn, was declared bankrupt […]. The subsidiaries

involved in the cartel have also either ceased their business activities or, in case

of one of them, shares were sold for the value of […].

1648

Moreover, those

1643

[…] See also the examples of reporting on cartel matters, up to the [manager] in Recitals (807) and

(809).

1644

[…]

1645

[…]

1646

[…]

1647

[…]

1648

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] shares do not represent any value and were sold to […] for the

sum of […].

EN 246 EN

companies would have in any case been held jointly liable with their ultimate

parent companies. In view of the above, and in order to reduce the risk of

addressing the enforcement measures to entities without any turnover, the

Commission considers it appropriate to impute the liability for the

infringements committed by the companies of the [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group only to the ultimate parent companies KPE N.V. and LGE Inc., instead

of addressing this Decision also to legal entities in the [Philips/LGE joint

venture] Group.

The decisive influence of the parent companies on the [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group

(824) As referred to in Recital (722), EU Competition law recognises that different

companies belonging to the same Group form an economic unit and amount to

an undertaking within the meaning of Article 101 of the Treaty. Therefore

liability can be imputed to the parent company (or parent companies), in

particular where the subsidiary, despite having separate legal personality, does

not decide independently upon its own conduct on the market, but carries out in

all material respects the instructions given to it by the parent company, regard

being had in particular to the economic, organisational and legal links between

those legal entities. In such case, the subsidiary is considered to have acted

under the decisive influence of its parent(s). In the case of a joint venture, if the

joint venture has not decided independently upon its own conduct on the

market, it is possible to find that the joint venture and the parents together form

an economic unit for the purposes of the application of Article 101 of the Treaty

to the anticompetitive conduct of the joint venture.

(825) KPE N.V. and LGE Inc., as the parent companies of the joint venture

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], should be held jointly and

severally liable for the behaviour of the companies within the [Philips/LGE joint

venture] Group during their participation in the infringement. This conclusion is

based on objective factors demonstrating that the [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group did not act autonomously on the market but that the parent companies

actually exercised decisive influence over its market behaviour.

(826) As a matter of policy, the fact that companies change their structure and continue

cartel operation via a joint venture should not allow them to evade liability for

the cartel activity that they had engaged in. In the present case KPE N.V. and

LGE Inc. restructured their CRT business that was involved in the cartels and

transferred it to a joint venture. A number of legal entities of the [Philips/LGE

joint venture] Group continued the participation in the cartel behaviour. Hence,

the Commission considers that when transferring their respective CRT

businesses to the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, KPE N.V. and LGE Inc.

were in effect using this joint venture as a vehicle to continue their involvement

in the CDT and CPT cartels. In view of both the structural links (economic,

organisational and legal) between the joint venture and the parent companies,

KPE N.V. and LGE Inc., and the fact that the joint venture continued its parents'

involvement in the cartel, the parent companies should be held liable for the

EN 247 EN

involvement of the joint venture and of the entities controlled by it.

1649

The

elements set out in Recitals (827) to (851) show that KPE N.V. and LGE Inc.

were in a position to exercise decisive influence over [Philips/LGE joint

venture's parent company] and over [Philips/LGE joint venture's] subsidiaries

and that they actually exercised such decisive influence.

The supervisory and management role of the parent companies

(827) The organisational structure of [Philips/LGE joint venture] was characterised by

the fact that the various management layers as described in the Recitals (818) to

(821) were always formed by an equal number of persons originating from or

designated by Philips and LGE.

(828) According to the joint venture agreement and the articles of incorporation, the

joint venture's governance structure consisted of a Group Management Team

(from […] renamed as Executive Board), a Board of Management, a

Supervisory Board, a Shareholders Committee and a General Meeting of

Shareholders.

1650

A Board of Management, a Group Management Team and a

Board of Directors were created within each of the various subsidiaries.

1651

(829) According to Article 6.3.1 of the joint venture agreement, the Supervisory Board

had responsibility for "supervising the management, direction and control" of

the joint venture. It was also responsible for providing "strategic guidance" to

the Group Management Team and for reviewing and providing "final

approvals" for the plans proposed by Group Management Team.

1652

(830) The Supervisory Board of the joint venture consisted of six members.

1653

Both

LGE and Philips nominated an equal number of members.

1654

The meetings

were held at least once a quarter and were convened by written notice which

contained an agenda. Article 6.3.4 specified that the agenda obligatory was to

include certain important matters, such as review and adjustments to rolling,

quarterly joint venture budgets, extraordinary capital expenditure decisions or

other matters that may be requested by any member of the Supervisory

Board.

1655

(831) Article 6.3.6 of the joint venture agreement stipulates that resolutions of

Supervisory Board were to be made by the affirmative vote of a majority or

supermajority of the total members of the board. Consequently, decisions in all

1649

See for reference Judgement of the General Court in Case T-161/05, paragraphs 50-52 and 63 and the

case law referred to therein; Joined Cases C-204/00P, C-205/00P, C-211/00P, C-213/00P, C-217/00P

and C-219/00P, Aalborg Portland, paragraphs 354-360; and Case T-43/02 Jungbunzlauer AG v

Commission [2006] ECR II-3435, paragraphs 132-133. See also Case C-280/06 ETI and others [2007]

ECR I-10893, paragraphs 38-52.

1650

[…]

1651

[…]

1652

[…]

1653

Article 6.3.3 of the joint venture agreement provides that "the parties may at any time, by mutual

agreement, changes the composition of the Supervisory Board" […]. The composition has been

extended to 8 members with effect from 1 December 2002 […]. It was decided, by a resolution in

writing of the shareholders, to reduce with effect from 1 October 2003 the number of members of the

Supervisory Board from eight to six members, after the resignation of [name] and [name].

1654

[…]

1655

[…]

EN 248 EN

matters attributed to the Supervisory Board demanded an affirmative vote of at

least one member nominated by each Philips and LGE.

1656

(832) The Supervisory Board met between 27 October 2001 and 12 January 2006. The

meetings mostly took place in Hong Kong, but sometimes in Amsterdam and

Seoul. At the meetings of the Supervisory Board, some subjects were almost

always discussed, amongst which were market developments, current interim

results (for example sales, sale prices, liquidity, EBITDA ratio, debt / equity

ratio, volume of stocks, state of accounts receivable and accounts payable), the

budget and whether or not the financial covenants agreed with the bank

syndicate were met, and the necessary reorganisations and their progress. In

addition to these subjects, other subjects were of course also discussed, such as

the targets for bonuses of directors, disputes, investments in new products, the

negotiations with the bank syndicate about the rescheduling of the loan from the

bank syndicate and the progress of those negotiations amongst other things.

Moreover, the Supervisory Board set up a number of committees to provide it

with advice in various areas. In particular, the task of the executive committee

was to advise the Supervisory Board about the optimisation of the management

structure and, following from this, the formulation of a new management

structure. In that respect, one of the examples of the importance of the

Supervisory Board of [Philips/LGE joint venture] is its decision to change the

organisational structure of [Philips/LGE joint venture] by replacing the Group

Management Team by an Executive Board and to discontinue management of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] on a regional basis in favour of central

management.

1657

Another example relates to the occasions where the

Supervisory Board acted on behalf of the shareholders in response to the

repeated requests of the Group Management Team/Executive Board for

shareholders' capital contribution.

1658

(833) In line with the joint venture agreement, the parent companies of the joint venture

also influenced it through a General Meeting of Shareholders and a

Shareholders Committee. The General Meeting of Shareholders voted by

majority and dealt with the matters as required by law and matters that could be

determined by the Supervisory Board. According to Article 6.2. of the joint

venture agreement, the role of the Shareholders Committee was to intervene "to

reach a final decision" when the Supervisory Board was in a deadlock situation.

It met at least quarterly to "discuss issues that are material to JV and to the

Parties' cooperation on matters involving JV" but upon the written request of

1656

[…]

1657

These decisions were taken at the meetings of 12 July 2002 and 2 November 2002 and were

implemented on 1 January 2003 (regions ceased to exist) and 1 April 2003 (other organisational

changes introduced), […].

1658

[…] Investigation of the causes of the Bankruptcy of [Philips/LGE joint venture] in Annex to the public

report of 20 April 2009, […]. The minutes referred to by the [officer] are: meeting of 10 December

2001: "The Supervisory Board stressed that its above mentioned approval of the 2002 budget does not

mean approval of any capital injection. The Company's management however explained the need for an

equity injection of 400M. USD and would submit a formal request there to for the Supervisory Board's

consideration and approval"; meeting of 27 September 2001: "The Supervisory Board however made it

clear that no capital injection will be approved until they have approved a convincing restructuring

plan"; meeting of 2 September 2002: "Furthermore it was principally agreed that both parent

companies would support the Company by early payment of accounts receivable", […].

EN 249 EN

one party to the other it could discuss any matters before they were to be

submitted to the Supervisory Board or the General Meeting of Shareholders.

The Shareholders Committee consisted of a designated officer of Philips, which

was one of its [senior manager] and of LGE, which was [senior manager] and in

conformity with the Joint Venture Agreement the shareholders had set it up. The

shareholders committee had the task to intervene in the case of a deadlock

situation in the Supervisory Board. Such a situation has never occurred. The

shareholders committee, however, met four times per calendar year to discuss

the course of events at [Philips/LGE joint venture]. The discussions of the

shareholders committee were in fact the only moment at which the shareholders

actually met.

1659

(834) At the more operational level, management of the joint venture consisted of a

Board of Management and a Group Management Team (renamed JV

Executive Board in the September 2002 amendment to Articles 6.3.8 and 6.3.9

of the joint venture agreement)

1660

). Article 6.3.7 of the joint venture agreement

specifies that the Board of Management consisted of six Managing Directors,

and that each parent company appointed an equal number of them.

1661

They

were responsible for the day-to-day management, subject to "supervision,

control and direction of the Supervisory Board". Their resolutions concerning

extraordinary events (for example issuance of shares, amendments to the

Articles of Association, merger or any reorganisation of the joint venture) were

subject to approval by the Supervisory Board. At least four members of the

Board of Management had to reside in the Netherlands (place where

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] had its registered office) and at

least two members had also to be members of the Group Management

Team/Executive Board. Any valid resolution of the Board of Management had

to be signed both by a member residing in the Netherlands and by a member

who was also a member of the Group Management Team.

1662

(835) According to Article 6.3.8. of the joint venture agreement, the Group

Management Team (JV Executive Board) consisted of ten executives

appointed by the Supervisory Board, who were responsible for generating the

strategic and operational plans of JV, and implementing them once they have

been approved by the Supervisory Board". In practice, all members of the

Group Management Team and, later, the Executive Board, were employed by

[Philips/LGE joint venture' subsidiary], which on the basis of the management

service agreement of […] performed the day-to-day management of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and its subsidiaries. Group

Management meetings took place once a month,

1663

According to the […]

amendment to the joint venture agreement the Group Management Team was

renamed "JV Executive Board" and it consisted of at least four executives

appointed by the Supervisory Board for which there was a "binding nomination"

of two executives by both LGE and Philips. Article 6.3.8 also stipulated that the

JV Executive Board "will be responsible for the control of the day-to-day

1659

[…]

1660

[…]

1661

[…]

1662

[…]

1663

[…]

EN 250 EN

management of JV, including control and implementation of all matters set forth

in any Quarterly Budget that has been reviewed and as authorised by the

Supervisory Board of JVC, and will have authority to make decisions and to

take actions in all matters that are not expressly reserved by law of by the

provisions of this Article 6 for decisions by other bodies, including, in

particular, the JVC Board of Management and the Supervisory Board of JVC.

The JV Executive Board will discuss and provide advice on matters for which

the Supervisor board of JVC and/or the JVC Managing Directors are

responsible." In the amendment it was also agreed that during the first five years

Philips would designate the President/Chief Executive Officer (of the JV

Executive Board) and LGE would designate the member that is appointed as the

deputy for that function. These designations were agreed to rotate every five

years. It was further stipulated that Philips and LGE shall jointly agree which of

their nominees shall be designated to other three key roles (Chief Financial

Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Sales Officer). The President/Chief

Executive Officer and the member appointed deputy for that function were

agreed to be the persons that jointly nominate and designate any other members

of the JV Executive Board for appointment by the Supervisory Board, which

means that the persons Philips and LGE had nominated would select those

members and that the Supervisory Board would simply endorse that. It was also

agreed that the party that did not have the right to designate the President/Chief

Executive Officer shall have the right to designate the Chairman of the

Supervisory Board for the same period. It follows from the above that the […]

amendment increased further the involvement of parent companies LGE and

Philips in the joint venture management. Moreover, […] [there is] information

showing that the Group Management Team took direct interest in and even

requesting contacts with competitors to exchange information

1664

(836) On the basis of the elements set out in Recitals (827) to (835), it is clear that the

parent companies of this particular joint venture did not intend to create an

independent company. Philips and LGE as shareholders had influence on the

most important decisions for the company that was jointly controlled by them.

The joint venture was organised in such a way as to allow the shareholders to

make the strategic commercial decisions, generate both strategic and operational

plans, control the day to day management and ensure they were kept informed.

The members of the Supervisory Board were senior officers coming from the

parent companies

1665

and the role of the Supervisory Board was very prominent.

Parent companies also designated the members of the Group Management

Team/Joint Venture Executive Board keeping close control on day to day

management of the joint venture.

(837) As a general rule in many legal systems the Supervisory Board is meant to

represent the interests of the shareholders but in this case the Supervisory

Board's role was more than just advisory and neutral. It entailed approving

major management decisions and was setting the direction of the company's

business, including the annual budget, business plans and major investments.

1664

[…] the General Management Team of the joint venture (meaning the Group Management Team)

requested structured exchange of information with competitors.

1665

[…]

EN 251 EN

The fact that individuals who were members of the Supervisory Board of the

joint venture throughout its participation in a cartel were at the same time

employed by the parent companies and some other individuals holding

management functions in the joint venture were employed by parent companies

before the creation of the joint venture and in some cases after leaving the joint

venture (see Recitals (839) to (844) below), is a further factor to confirm that

Philips and LGE were in a position to and did actually exert a decisive influence

over the joint venture's commercial policy.

Uninterrupted presence in the CDT and CPT cartel activities

(838) Before the creation of a joint venture both Philips and LGE were involved in the

infringements concerning CDT and CPT. Therefore, at the time of creation of a

joint venture both were aware or should have been aware of the existence of

CDT and CPT cartels. The joint venture continued involvement in the cartel

immediately after its creation. The parent companies had means and powers

reserved in the joint venture agreement for the shareholders, to prevent the

involvement of the joint venture in the infringement. Having participated in the

cartel themselves previously, and [Philips/LGE joint venture] continuing that

participation, there was an uninterrupted presence in the cartel for both Philips

and LGE also after the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture]. In this case,

taking into account the personnel links between both parent companies and the

joint venture, described below (see Recitals (839) to (845)), it is unlikely that

Philips and LGE were not aware of the joint venture involvement.

Individuals holding simultaneously or consecutively positions in a parent company and the

joint venture and/or consecutively participating in cartel contacts

(839) Entrusting individuals with consecutive positions in the parent companies and the

joint venture constitutes a classic mechanism to keep coherence and information

flow within the members of the Group and guarantees predictability of

management and predictability regarding policy aspects (see also Recital (725)

and the case-law referred therein). Many individuals holding senior positions in

the joint venture and/or its supervisory and/or management bodies also held

simultaneously or consecutively senior positions in a parent company. The fact

that managerial posts within Philips and LGE groups overlapped with posts

within [Philips/LGE joint venture] necessarily placed the parent companies in a

position to actually have a decisive influence on [Philips/LGE joint venture]'s

market conduct.

1666

(840) In this regard, the following examples concerning overlapping senior positions

between the joint venture and Philips are relevant:

1667

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board Member from [period] and

[…] was within Philips Group from [period] [manager] of [business unit] […]

and from [date] on a [ country manager]. Further, [name] had participated in

cartel meetings on behalf of Philips before the creation of [Philips/LGE joint

venture]. This shows that at least one of the members of the joint venture's

Supervisory Board had participated in the cartel contacts when working in

1666

See, in the same sense, Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric, paragraph 199.

1667

[…]

EN 252 EN

Philips. Moreover, [evidence shows] that cartel meetings concerning CDTs

continued beyond the creation of the joint venture […]

1668

, While [name] […]

not remember glass meetings being mentioned in the Supervisory Board

1669

[…] was clearly well informed on the cartel behaviour and involvement of

[Philips/LGE joint venture].

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member from [period] and in

the years from [period] […] was a [manager of Philips] and [manager] in

[Philips business unit].

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member from [period] and,

from [period], […] was also a [senior manager at Philips] and [manager] of

Philips ([period]) and [manager] of [Philips business unit] ([period]).

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member from [period] and,

[period], […] was a [manager] of [Philips business unit].

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member from [period] and

since [period] also a [manager] of [Philips business unit].

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member [period] and at the

same time, from [period] a "[manager] of [joint venture business unit]" within

the Philips Group.

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member from [period] and at

the same time [manager] of Philips Components Division until [period] and,

from [period], a "[manager] of [joint venture business unit]" within the Philips

Group.

– [Name] was a joint venture's Supervisory Board member from [period] and

from [period] […] was a [senior manager at Philips].

(841) Moreover, the following managers were transferred to the joint venture from

Philips and later returned to work for Philips holding therefore consecutive

management positions in Philips and the joint venture:

– [Name], worked for Philips since [period] he was first [senior manager] at

[Philips business unit].

1670

– [Name], worked for Philips since [period] he was first [manager] and later

[manager] at [Philips business unit].

1671

– [Name], worked for Philips in [location] from [period] as [manger]. As of

[period] he worked for [Philips/LGE joint venture] in the headquarters in [non

EU/EEA territory] […] in the CRT business worldwide (in particular CPT

business). As of [date] he was in [Philips/LGE joint venture] responsible for

[tasks relating to Europe]. In [date] he moved to [Philips business unit.

1672

1668

[…]

1669

[…]

1670

[…]

1671

[…]

1672

[…] [Name] moved to Philips in [date] whereas […] [name] left [Philips/LGE joint venture] in [date].

EN 253 EN

(842) The following example concerning overlapping senior positions between the joint

venture and LGE is relevant:

1673

– [Name] was a member of the Supervisory Board of the joint-venture appointed

by LGE as from [period]. On [date] he was [manager] of the [LGE business

unit]. He therefore simultaneously held a management position within LGE

while being a member of the Supervisory Board of the joint venture.

(843) The following managers were transferred to the joint venture from LGE and later

returned to work for LGE holding therefore consecutive management positions

in LGE and the joint venture:

1674

– [Name]: worked for LGE since [date], since [date] he is [manager] in the

[business unit];

– [Name]: worked for LGE since [date], since [date] manager in the business

unit];

– [Name]: worked for LGE since [date], since [date] […] is [manager] in the

[business unit];

– [Name]: worked for LGE since [date], since [date] […] is [manager] in the

[business unit].

(844) The following examples of individuals representing respectively one of the parent

companies during the cartel contacts and later representing the joint venture in

the same or similar capacity are relevant:

(a) individuals that were transferred from the Philips Group to the joint

venture:

1675

– in the CDT cartel contacts: [list of names].

– in the CPT cartel contacts: [list of names]

1676

(b) individuals that were transferred from the LGE Group to the joint venture:

1677

– in the CDT cartel contacts: [list of names].

– in the CPT cartel contacts: [list of names].

(845) The individuals referred to in Recitals (841) to (844) were in most cases senior

officers or managers. At least two of these individuals, namely [names],

returned to work for LGE after their employment within [Philips/LGE joint

venture]. LGE submitted that none of the individuals mentioned in Recitals

(841) to (844) received any guarantee or right of return to LGE.

1678

Likewise,

Philips submitted that employees that were transferred to the [Philips/LGE joint

venture] group had no guarantee that they could return to Philips. […]

1679

.On

1673

[…]

1674

[…]

1675

[…]Recitals (758), (759), (762) above as well as the documents to which they refer.

1676

[…]

1677

[…] The Commission enquired about number of individuals within LGE Group, including the

individuals listed (except [name]), in the Commission's Request for Information dated 8 November

2007, […]. LGE identified only two of these individuals: [names] […]

1678

[…] reply to the Commission's request for information of 27 February 2012 […]

1679

[…]

EN 254 EN

the other hand, the [Philips/LGE joint venture] [officer] has found in one of the

documents drafted to assess the grounds of the bankruptcy that people were

often "called back" by shareholders

1680

Preferred supplier status

(846) Although the parent companies transferred all their CRT business assets and

operations to the joint venture, they made it at the same time their preferred

supplier of CRT products.

(847) In Article 7.6. of the joint venture agreement both parent companies decided that

the joint venture will be a preferred supplier of CRT products for them. At the

same time they agreed that they will also be preferred suppliers of any products,

components and materials to be used by the joint venture for its business within

the scope of the joint venture agreement

1681

(848) Article 7.6. of the joint venture agreement goes well beyond what can be

characterised as standard supply relations between independent companies. It

stipulates that the joint venture would be a preferred supplier of CRT products

for LGE and Philips and that, in turn, LGE and Philips would be preferred

suppliers of any products, components and material to be used by the joint

venture for its business. Such a contractual provision is unambiguously aimed at

mutually preferential treatment between the joint venture and its parent

companies and contradicts LGE's claims that [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

the parent companies were economically independent. Where a parent company

is also the supplier or customer of its subsidiary, it has a very specific interest in

managing the production or distribution activities of the subsidiary, in order to

take full advantage of the added value created by the vertical integration thus

achieved (see Recital (725) and the case-law referred therein). This is even more

important in the scenario of preferred supplier status that applies in case of

[Philips/LGE joint venture].

Additional factors

(849) In addition, the joint venture agreement includes a non-competition clause, which

provides that neither KPE N.V., LGE, Inc. nor any of their affiliates "will

engage in or control, own, operate, manage, provide consulting services to, own

an interest in, or be a proprietor, partner, shareholder, director, officer,

consultant, agent or representative of, an entity engaged in, either directly or

indirectly, any business in the field of CRT anywhere in the world other than

through JV, without the prior written consent of the other Party"

1682

(850) Moreover, according to the [Philips/LGE joint venture's] [officer], Philips and

LGE did not only fulfil the role of shareholders at [Philips/LGE joint venture],

but also the role of "advisors". The [officer] explained that, for instance, Philips

and LGE have helped [Philips/LGE joint venture], in particular with the

financial restructuring in 2002 and 2004, not only by offering expertise in the

field of merger and acquisition, but also by calculating for instance the

1680

[…]

1681

[…]

1682

[…]

EN 255 EN

consequences of the various restructuring plans and by jointly drawing up a

negotiation strategy in relation to the syndicate of banks.

1683

(851) In that respect, [name], [manager] of KPE N.V., and [name], a former […]

manager of [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary] [was] working […] for

Philips, appeared […] in [Philips/LGE joint venture's] premises.

1684

Conclusion

(852) The analysis in Recitals (824) to (851) indicates clearly that Philips and LGE, by

transferring their CRT businesses into the [Philips/LGE joint venture], did not

intend to create an independent company but rather to join forces of two

competitors, share technologies, skills and risks. This is confirmed by the fact

that for the duration of ten years counting from the date of formation of

[Philips/LGE joint venture], neither Philips nor LGE were allowed to sell and

transfer the shares held by them in the capital of [Philips/LGE joint venture] to a

third party.

1685

(853) The cartel contacts were attended by numerous people, at all levels of

management, up to the top level. In a number of pieces of evidence on collusive

contacts no names of participating individuals or of exact legal entities were

mentioned but the documents contain reference to the participation of

[Philips/LGE joint venture]. Therefore, taking into account that all the entities

that were conducting CRT business activity were part of the operational

structure under the ultimate parents KPE N.V. and LGE Inc., the Commission

also concludes that for these collusive contacts where no names of individuals

or of exact legal entities were mentioned the participation of the [Philips/LGE

joint venture] Group is established. In that respect, the Court has stated that the

purpose of the Commission investigations and decisions is not as a rule to

establish that certain physical persons participated in a cartel but to establish

that undertakings did so, in breach of Article 101(1) of the Treaty

1686

(854) The Commission concludes that all the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group's CRT

business constituted a single undertaking for the purposes of the present

proceedings with each of its parent companies, KPE N.V. and LGE Inc. That

CRT business was organised around entities that were not autonomous from

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], along with its parent companies

KPE N.V.. and LGE Inc., which had the power to control the functioning of the

[Philips/LGE joint venture]'s CRT activity actually exercised decisive influence

over it and even reorganised for instance the management structure of the

activity in 2002. On the basis of the evidence set out in Recitals (816) to (852)

the Commission concludes first that KPE N.V. and LGE Inc. exercised decisive

influence over [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company]'s conduct. Second,

because [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] exercised decisive

influence over the conduct of its own subsidiaries, KPE N.V. and LGE Inc. also

exercised through [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] decisive

influence over the conduct of these subsidiaries. Therefore, when the

1683

[…]

1684

[…]

1685

Article 8.2 of the Joint Venture Agreement […]

1686

Case T-76/08 EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraph 159.

EN 256 EN

documentary evidence showing involvement of [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group does not directly spell out which entity in the [Philips/LGE joint venture]

Group was directly involved in each of the CDT and CPT cartel contacts, which

were part of a chain of long duration, recurrent (monthly or even weekly) cartel

contacts where [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and subsidiaries

across the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group

1687

participated (both at top and

working level) and in which participants were referred to as [Philips/LGE joint

venture]'s representatives and discussed the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group

overall, the Commission holds KPE N.V. and LGE Inc. liable in their quality as

the ultimate parent companies for the conduct of the joint venture, comprised of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and its subsidiaries, that were

active in the CRT sector.

(855) In the light of the above, the Commission concludes that Koninklijke Philips

Electronics N.V. and LG Electronics, Inc. are held jointly and severally liable

for the participation of their [Philips/LGE joint venture], comprised of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] and its subsidiaries, in both the

infringement concerning CDT and the infringement concerning CPT for the

entire duration of the joint venture's participation in the respective infringements

(see Section 7 of this Decision for the duration).

6.2.5.2. Assessment and conclusion on Philips' and LGE's arguments

Continuing participation in the cartels via the [Philips/LGE joint venture], and its entry

into bankruptcy

(856) In the case of Philips and LGE Groups, as explained above, both of them have

participated in the infringement prior to the creation of [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and since its creation [Philips/LGE joint venture] continued the cartel

participation uninterrupted whereby Philips and LGE continued to participate

via the joint venture. Having said that, it is noted that [Philips/LGE joint

venture] has entered into bankruptcy. While [Philips/LGE joint venture] or

several entities in [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group would still exist legally, it

is not contested that they are undergoing a bankruptcy/liquidation process or

their shares do not any longer represent any value.

(857) Both Philips and LGE claim that the Statement of Objections should have been

addressed to any viable subsidiaries of [Philips/LGE joint venture] that still

exist and to the trustees controlling the liquidation process.

1688

Philips states that

the Commission should have addressed those entities that participated directly

in the infringement, or at least the entities that participated directly and managed

the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, being [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company] and [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]. LGE submits that the

Commission cannot lawfully impose a fine on LGE without also addressing its

objections – and eventual decision – to [Philips/LGE joint venture]. LGE claims

1687

All the entities listed in [Philips/LGE joint venture's] reply to a Commission request for information as

subsidiaries involved in the CRT business […] and all the entities listed in Recitals (810) and (811)

were directly or indirectly 100% owned by [Philips/LGE joint venture], with the exception of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiaries] (Recital (822)).

1688

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […], and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. The

argument is repeated in […] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […], and […] reply to

the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

EN 257 EN

that there is no continuity between LGE and [Philips/LGE joint venture] in the

infringement and that there was no uninterrupted presence in the cartels. LGE

submits that as long as there are still [Philips/LGE joint venture] entities or

"legal successors" that have turnover (either within or outside the Group, even

when sold), the Commission would have no difficulty in addressing such

entities. Moreover, LGE argues that the sale of a company […] is irrelevant, as

such a sale for nominal consideration would not mean that there are no assets or

revenues, but is often simply a reflection of the fact that such company is

experiencing financial difficulty or is burdened with debt. Philips claims that

bankruptcy of [Philips/LGE joint venture] entities or expectation that they will

ultimately not pay the fine that may be imposed on them are not relevant

considerations that should determine which entities should be addressed. Philips

claims that it is incorrect that the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group does not

have any turnover or is inactive

1689

(858) At the same time, both LGE and Philips have since the beginning of the

Commission's investigation in this case confirmed the bankruptcy of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and indicated that [Philips/LGE joint venture's

ultimate parent company] was declared bankrupt […] [in] 2006 and argue that a

court–appointed [officer] has "controlled" [Philips/LGE joint venture] since

then.

1690

Additionally, LGE has pointed out that, following the bankruptcy of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], it is [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] which currently holds any "viable" subsidiaries of the [Philips/LGE

joint venture], while […] [in] January 2009 [Philips/LGE joint venture's

subsidiary] for its turn was declared bankrupt.

1691

(859) The description of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] corporate structure (see

Recitals (816)-(823) […]) shows that the legal entities in the [Philips/LGE joint

venture] Group for which involvement in the infringements could be established

were [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company], [ Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiaries listed]. During the proceedings, in a reply to the

Commission's request for information [a party] submitted that [Philips/LGE

joint venture] was restructured since the filing for the bankruptcy protection to

focus production mainly in China and that the shares of [Philips/LGE joint

venture] companies in Korea, Brazil and Hong Kong were transferred to

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], which subsequently changed its name

to […].

1692

In its reply to the Statement of Objections [a party] has described the

organisation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and identified further companies

involved in CRT sales, which were subsidiaries of the [Philips/LGE joint

venture] entities that are now in bankruptcy proceedings. In particular, it

specified that, though some of the subsidiaries are in bankruptcy, the entities in

Huafei, Beijing, Brazil, Korea and Indonesia were still operating.

1693

In its reply

to the Supplementary Statement of Objections [a party] argues that there are still

1689

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].[…] reply to the Supplementary

Statement of Objections, […].

1690

[…] reply to the Commission's RFI dated 28 January 2008, […]and […] reply to the Commission's RFI

dated 14 January 2008 […].

1691

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. See also Recitals (39)-(52).

1692

[…]

1693

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

EN 258 EN

"legal successors" within the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group which should

be taken into account and that at least [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiaries]

are still operational entities and continue the CRT business of [Philips/LGE

joint venture] LGE also submits that [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]

still exists (while it does not contest that this company is in bankruptcy

proceedings) and still participates in a number of subsidiaries, some of which

are operational. According to LGE, it is not clear that [Philips/LGE joint

venture's subsidiary] has been sold or had been sold at the time of the Statement

of Objections.

1694

(860) Both parent companies of [Philips/LGE joint venture] acknowledge that the legal

entities in the Philips/LGE joint venture's group who were or are still the

holding companies of Philips/LGE joint venture's group – […] (the intial

holding company) and […] (the holding company since January 2006)

1695

–

have been declared bankrupt prior to the issuing of the Statement of Objections

in this case. It is clear from the [Philips/LGE joint venture's] [officer's] reports

that companies in the Philips/LGE joint venture's Group have considerable

debts which appear to clearly exceed the value of [Philips/LGE joint

venture]

1696

. Accordingly, [Philips/LGE joint venture] has significant liabilities

and its assets have decreased considerably. Even if some companies had

turnover at some point during the administrative proceedings, the main

companies of the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group – including all of the

companies for which there is proof of cartel participation and above all, the

holding companies of the group – either ceased all activity and are in various

stages in proceedings of bankruptcy or liquidation or their shares do not

represent any value

1697

. Therefore, there was and remains still a serious risk that

by the time of a Decision imposing fine in this case and execution of the fine,

[Philips/LGE joint venture] will no longer possess sufficient assets from which

any fines could be recovered. This consideration of cartel enforcement needs to

be taken into account. This is also confirmed by the General Court in case

Bolloré

1698

, where the court concluded that the fact that an entity had ceased

activity and was not in position to pay any fine is a relevant factor that can be

taken into account.

(861) Concerning LGE's specific arguments, it is first pointed out that involvement in

the cartel arrangements of any employees from the [Philips/LGE joint venture]'s

subsidiaries, which according to LGE would still be in operation, could not be

established. There is also no evidence regarding "legal succession" that LGE

refers to. Concerning [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], which was sold

[…], it must be pointed out that the company shares do not represent any

value

1699

. [Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], for its part, is in bankrutptcy

proceedings since […] 2009 and is being wound up. Addressing any such

companies would not relieve LGE and Philips of their liability.

1694

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1695

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1696

See for example [officer's] 12th report, […].

1697

[Officer's] 12

report, […].

1698

Case T-372/10, Bolloré, paragraph 91.

1699

[Officer's] 12

report, […].

EN 259 EN

(862) Each of the CDT and CPT cartels formed a single and continuous infringement

(see Recitals (645)-(688)). As explained in Recitals (805)-(916), Philips and

LGE Groups' participation in the CDT and CPT cartels continued un-interrupted

also after Philips and LGE had transferred their CRT businesses to the joint

venture. Thereafter Philips and LGE participated in the two cartels via the

[Philips/LGE joint venture]. Therefore, there is no discontinuation in the

participation of Philips and LGE in the infringement.

(863) As explained above (see Recital (826)), the fact that companies change their

structure and continue cartel operation via a joint venture should not allow them

to evade liability for the cartel activity that they had engaged in. In a

restructuring situation, where Philips and LGE have transferred the business that

was involved in the cartels to a joint venture, but when the participating entitites

in the joint venture are in bankruptcy or in liquidation or no longer carry out an

economic activity on the market concerned, the Commission considers that in

view of the economic, organisational and legal links between the joint venture

and the parent companies, Philips and LGE, and the fact that Philips and LGE

Groups' involvement in the cartels continued uninterrupted via the joint venture,

the parent companies should also be held liable for the joint venture period.

(864) Therefore, the Commission when issuing the Statement of Objections on 23

November 2009 and the Supplementary Statements of Objections on 1 June

2012 decided not to address the bankrupt companies, companies in liquidation,

without any activity or whose shares do not represent any value, when such

companies would have been held jointly liable with the parent companies,

Philips and LGE.

Single economic entity

(865) Both Philips and LGE

1700

submit that they cannot be held liable for any

infringements committed by [Philips/LGE joint venture], because […] [it] was

an independent company . With reference to the Commission decision in merger

case Philips/LG Electronics/JV

1701

, both companies submit that the creation of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] gave rise to a new autonomous economic entity,

arguing that liability for infringements committed by one entity could only be

attributed to a parent entity if both entities form a single economic unit

1702

1700

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. In their

replies to the Supplementary Statements of Objections […] repeat arguments from their replies to the

Statement of Objections: […] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […] reply to the

Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1701

Case COMP/M.2263 – Philips/LG Electronics/JV.

1702

As regards the notion of a single economic unit, Philips refers to the judgement in Case T-112/05, Akzo

Nobel, paragraph 58, and Case C-97/08, Akzo Nobel, paragraph 59. […] reply to the Statement of

Objections, […], and […] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […]refers to the

judgement in Case C-97/08 P, Akzo Nobel. […] also refers to Case C-48/69, Imperial Chemical

Industries, paragraph 133, claiming that finding that […] and [Philips/LGE joint venture] formed one

single undertaking will expand the undertaking concept and its interpretation in the context of parental

liability beyond the case law of the European Court of Justice, and to the opinion of AG Kokott in

Joined Cases C-628/10 P and C-14/11 P, Alliance Once International Inc. and Others v Commission,

not yet reported, pointing that according to this opinion "It is indeed correct that frequently, in a

situation of joint control of a subsidiary company, none of the shareholders will on its own be in a

position to exercise decisive influence over the conduct of a subsidiary". […] reply to the Statement of

Objections, […], and […] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

EN 260 EN

[Philips/LGE joint venture] was a full-function joint venture

1703

with its own

management for its day-to day operations, its own resources, staff and financial

resources. LGE emphasises that they never consolidated any of [Philips/LGE

joint venture]'s business in LGE's annual accounts. Both submit that

[Philips/LGE joint venture] was an independent company which was

autonomous in determining its own market conduct and which did not form a

single economic unit with either of parents. Philips claims that liability for

infringements committed by one entity can only be attributed to another entity if

both entities form a single economic unit and that a full-function joint venture is

an autonomous economic unit and does not form part of the undertakings of its

parent companies under the European Commission merger control

1704

. On this

basis Philips concludes that "since there is only one concept of undertaking in

competition law, a full-function joint venture can also not form part of the

undertakings of its parent companies". Philips submits that the General Court in

the case of duPont

1705

took a different position than Philips, but that this

Judgement is under appeal and Philips maintains its own position.

1706

LGE

claims that the case-law that concerns sole control situations cannot be applied

in the case of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and submits that the Commission

could hold Philips and LGE jointly and severally liable only if Philips and LGE

constituted a single undertaking. LGE argues that the Commission cannot in a

merger case decide that [Philips/LGE joint venture] was intended to be an

autonomous economic entity and now take a different view.

1707

In addition,

LGE claims that in case Hoechst, the continued involvement was established in

the context of an internal restructuring and that LGE's position is different from

the Fuji/Hitachi joint venture where the shareholders of the joint venture did not

exit the relevant market after the creation of their joint venture

1708

(866) Concerning the arguments that [Philips/LGE joint venture] did not form a single

economic unit, that is to say a single undertaking, with the parent companies it

should first be recalled that according to settled case-law, the term

"undertaking" must be understood in competition law as designating an

economic unit for the purpose of the subject-matter of the agreement in question

even if, in law, the economic unit consists of several persons

1709

. Hence, for the

purposes of applying the competition rules, formal separation of companies

resulting from their having distinct legal identities is not decisive, but the test is

1703

As regards the full-function joint venture, […] refers, in addition to the Commission Decision in case

COMP/M. 2263 – Philips/LG Electronics/JV, in particular to the judgements in Case C-298/98,

Finnboard v. Commission, [2000] ECR I-10157, and Case T-314/01, Avebe, as well as to the

Commission Decisions 91/335/EC in Case IV/32.186 – Gosme/Martell – DM, OJ L 185, 11.07.1991, p.

23-30; 94/599/EC in case IV/31.865 – PVC, OJ L 239, 14.09.1994, p. 14-35, 2006/902/EC in case

COMP. 38.443 – Rubber Chemicals, OJ L 353, 13.12.2006, and the Commission Decision of 5

December 2007 in case COMP/38.629 – Chloroprene Rubber (which […] considers to go against the

Commission's decisional practice). […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1704

[…] refers to case C-170/83, Hydrotherm Gerätebau GmbH, [1984] ECR 2999, paragraph 11 and case

C-41/90, Höfner and Elser v Macrotron, [1991] ECR I-01979, paragraph 21.

1705

Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours.

1706

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1707

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1708

Case T-161/05 Hoechst, and Case T-132/07, Fuji, paragraphs 200-201. […] reply to the Supplementary

Statement of Objections, […].

1709

Case 170/83 Hydroterm, paragraph 11, and Case C-97/08 P, Akzo Nobel, paragraph 55.

EN 261 EN

whether or not there is unity in their conduct in the market

1710

. The General

Court has therefore held that Article 101 of the Treaty is aimed at economic

entitites which consist of a unitary organisation of personal, tangible and

intangible elements which pursue a specific economic aim on a long-term basis

and can contribute to the commission of an infringement of the kind referred to

in that provision

1711

. In the present case the undertaking is accordingly

designating the economic unit for the purposes of assessment of the CDT and

CPT cartels. Both Philips and LGE Groups were first participating individually

in the two cartels and after the formation of [Philips/LGE joint venture]

continued to participate and together formed a single economic unit with their

joint venture for the purposes of the infringements addressed in this case.

(867) It has to be pointed out that in the Dow and DuPont judgments the General Court

pronounced clearly that the concept of single economic unit is applicable to full-

function joint ventures and their parents. The Court referred to the case

Avebeand found that: "in Avebe …. the General Court held that, in the light of

the existence of joint control exerciseFd by the parent companies, the joint

venture, on the one hand, and its parent companies, on the other, formed an

economic unit for the purpose of the subject-matter of the agreement in

question, in the context of which the unlawful conduct of the subsidiary may be

imputed to its parent companies, who become liable by virtue of the joint

control that they exercise over the subsidiary’s commercial policy. Moreover,

(…) it is not appropriate to distinguish the circumstances of the present case

from those in Avebe".

1712

It is therefore clear that that the case-law on single

undertaking applies in the same way in case of sole control and joint control.

Moreover, the Court of Justice has confirmed in the Otis and Alliance One cases

that the concept of single economic unit is applicable to a joint control

situation

1713

(868) Philips and LGE also seem to assert that there is a general, overarching EC

competition law definition of a full-function joint venture that would exclude

finding the parents of such a joint venture liable for antitrust infringements

commited by or via such a joint venture when the Commission would have

assessed the joint venture under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 of 20

January 2004 on the control of concentrations between undertakings

("ECMR"

1714

). But in fact, the concept of full-functionality referred to by

Philips and LGE is used in the specific context of the ECMR, which does not

preclude that parent companies are found to be liable for such entity for antitrust

infringements. It follows from Recital 20 of ECMR, that the concept of a full-

function joint venture is defined to ensure that such types of concentrations are

also covered by the ECMR. Moreover, the Commission Consolidated

Jurisdictional Notice under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 on the

1710

Case T-77/08, the Dow Chemical Company v Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 73, and case T-

325/01 DaimlerChrysler v Commission, [2005] ECR II-3319, paragraph 85 and the case-law cited.

1711

Case T-11/89 Shell v Comission, [1992] ECR II-757, paragraph 311, and the General Court judgment in

Case C-97/08P, Akzo Nobel, paragraph 57 and the case-law cited.

1712

Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical, paragraph 99, and Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraph 79.

1713

Case C-494/11 P, Otis v Commission, note yet reported, paragraph 49. and Joined Cases ,C-628/10 P

and C-14/11 P, Alliance One and Others v Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 103.

1714

OJ L 24, 29.01.2004, p. 1-22.

EN 262 EN

control of concentrations between undertakings ("Jurisdictional Notice") makes

it clear in Recital 93 that the economic autonomy from an operational point of

view of a full-function joint venture does not mean that it enjoys autonomy as

regards the adoption of its strategic decisions

1715

(869) The concentration effected by Philips and LGE by the creation of [Philips/LGE

joint venture] was notified to the Commission under the ECMR, and the

Commission approved it by decision of 9 April 2001 in case Philips/LG

Electronics/JV

1716

("the 2001 merger decision"). In approving that

concentration, the Commission formally found that the joint venture will be

jointly controlled by the parents, Philips and LGE.

(870) It is apparent from Article 3(2) of the ECMR that the concept of control must be

understood as the possibility of exercising decisive influence over the activitiy

of an undertaking (as a result of rights, contracts or any other means)

1717

, in

particular by, on the one hand, ownership or the right to use all or part of the

assets of an undertaking or, on the other hand, rights or contracts which confer

decisive influence on the composition, voting or decisions of the organs of an

undertaking. The Jurisdictional Notice describes the joint control as follows:

"(62) Joint control exists where two or more undertakings or persons have the

possibility of exercising decisive influence over another undertaking. Decisive

influence in this sense normally means the power to block actions which

determine the strategic commercial behaviour of an undertaking. Unlike sole

control, which confers upon a specific shareholder the power to determine the

strategic decisions in an undertaking, joint control is characterized by the

possibility of a deadlock situation resulting from the power of two or more

parent companies to reject proposed strategic decisions. It follows, therefore,

that these shareholders must reach a common understanding in determining the

commercial policy of the joint venture and that they are required to

cooperate

1718

. (63) As in the case of sole control, the acquisition of joint control

can also be established on a de jure or de facto basis. There is joint control if

the shareholders (the parent companies) must reach agreement on major

decisions concerning the controlled undertaking (the joint venture)." [emphasis

added]

(871) Consequently, Philips and LGE are wrong in employing arguments from the field

of merger control when attempting to demonstrate that [Philips/LGE joint

venture] was a separate economic unit from them for the purposes of assessment

of liability for the commission of the cartel infringements that are the subject of

this Decision and that in this case the parent companies could not be held liable

1715

OJ C95 of 16.04.2008. See also Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraph 78, and Case T-77/08

Dow Chemical, paragraph 93.

1716

Case COMP/M.2263 – Philips/LG Electronics/JV.

1717

The ECMR applies to operations where there is a concentration of two or more undertakings within the

meaning of its Article 3. The test in Article 3 is centred on the concept of control. Such a control may

be acquired by one undertaking acting alone or by several undertakings acting jointly. Control is

defined by Article 3(2) of the ECMR as the possibility of exercising decisive influence on an

undertaking. It is therefore not necessary to show that the decisive influence is or will be actually

exercised. A concentration may occur on a legal or a de facto basis and may take the form of sole or

joint control, and extend to the whole or parts of one or more undertakings (Article 3(1)(b) of ECMR).

1718

See also Case T-282/02 Cementbouw v Commission, [2006] ECR II-319, paragraphs 42, 52, 67.

EN 263 EN

for acts committed by [Philips/LGE joint venture]. On the contrary, the 2001

merger decision and the concept of joint control under the ECMR shows that by

merging their CRT businesses in a joint venture over which they had joint

control, Philips and LGE had a possibility to exercise decisive influence over

the joint venture.

Exercise of decisive influence

(872) Contrary to the Commission finding in the 2001 merger decision, both Philips and

LGE

1719

submit that they did not have decisive influence over [Philips/LGE

joint venture]. Philips submits with reference to the Avebe judgement

1720

that it

must be demonstrated that in order to find decisive influence one has to show

that it was actually exerted, not only that it was theoretically possible. It submits

that references to the joint venture agreement and articles of association are not

sufficient in that respect. LGE submits that the Avebe judgment is irrelevant for

the present case and that case Avebe was upheld in Court because of the specific

circumstances of that case

1721

. It submits that, unlike in case of Glucona joint

venture that was the subject of the Avebe judgment, [Philips/LGE joint venture]

has its own legal personality and its own dedicated management.

1722

LGE states

that there is no evidence that whatever links may have existed between LGE and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] would warrant the inference that LGE and

[Philips/LGE joint venture] pursued a single commercial policy. LGE argues

that to have a "management role" in [Philips/LGE joint venture] the parent has

to have alone the power to instruct management in all material respects, which

power it denies having had, and that the parent must have exercised this

power.

1723

(873) LGE stresses that it was the Executive Board which was responsible for the day-

to-day management of [Philips/LGE joint venture] with all members being

employees of [Philips/LGE joint venture] (proposed by shareholders but

appointed by the Supervisory Board) and that in line with Dutch law the

Supervisory Board had only a supervisory function. According to LGE, the

Supervisory Board was focused almost exclusively on the financial health and

survival of [Philips/LGE joint venture]. LGE submits that the restructuring of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] was part of the financial focus of the Supervisory

Board and that changing the organisational structure of [Philips/LGE joint

venture] does not amunt to control of its market conduct. LGE argues that the

facts in the Court Judgements in the Fuji, duPont and Dow cases

1724

are very

different from the facts of LGE's relations with [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

argues that in in the Dow/duPont joint venture case the Members Committee

would have been "the most important management decision-making body within

1719

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. In their

replies to the Supplementary Statements of Objections both […] repeat arguments from their replies to

the Statement of Objections: […] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […], and […]

reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1720

[…] refers both to Case T-314/01, Avebe, and Case C-298/98, Finnboard. […] reply to the Statement of

Objections, […].

1721

The cooperative nature of Glucona and the very close link between the partners and Glucona.

1722

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1723

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1724

Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric , Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours and Case T-77/08, Dow .

EN 264 EN

the joint venture" while it argues that in the case of [Philips/LGE joint venture]

the Commission has not put forward any evidence that the powers of the

shareholders through the Supervisory Board went beyond "limited supervision".

Philips submits that under the Dutch law the Supervisory Board does not have

the power and authority to exert decisive influence over the company's market

conduct, that [Philips/LGE joint venture's] Supervisory Board was a body

independent of the management of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and that it was

not in any way permitted to be involved in managing or otherwise determining

the market conduct of the [Philips/LGE joint venture]. LGE reviews all

management bodies in [Philips/LGE joint venture] and puts forward arguments

implying that the Shareholders Committee, Board of Management and General

Meeting of shareholders would have only minor roles.

1725

(874) Before addressing the detailed arguments of LGE and Philips, the general legal

principles need to be recalled. The Commission's decisional practice on

attiribution of liability follows the general legal principles on attribution of the

conduct of an undertaking to another one, as set by the Community Courts.

These general principles are applied when addressing the arguments of Philips

and LGE concerning the exercise of decisive influence over [Philips/LGE joint

venture] by the parent companies. In that respect, it is settled case-law that the

anti-competitive conduct of an undertaking can be attributed to another

undertaking where it has not decided independently upon its own conduct on the

market but carried out, in all material respects, the instructions given to it by

that other undertaking, having regard in particular to the economic,

organisational and legal links between them.

1726

The Court found in Avebe, on

the basis of established case-law, that it is, in principle, for the Commission to

demonstrate such decisive influence on the basis of factual evidence, including,

in particular, any management power one of the undertakings may have over the

other. In Avebe the Court accordingly found that the joint venture agreement

established joint management power over the joint venture. Given the joint

management power and the fact that the parent companies each held a 50%

stake in the joint venture and, therefore, controlled all of its shares jointly, the

Court found that the situation in that case was analogous to that in case

Stora

1727

, in which a single parent company held 100% of its subsidiary, for the

purpose of establishing a presumption that that parent company actually exerted

a decisive influence over its subsidiary’s conduct.

1728

1725

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].[…] repeat some of these arguments and adduce further

arguments in their replies to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […]. Regarding the

Shareholders Committee, […] submits that its role was to resolve deadlocks at the level of the

Supervisory Board. Concerning the Board of Management, […] claims that it was incorporated under

formal requirement of Dutch law, but that in reality it delegated the management to the Executive

Board. Moreover, […] points out that at the General Meeting it was in minority and unable to take

unilateral action.

1726

Case T-314/01, Avebe. See also Joined Cases C-189/02 P, C-202/02 P, C-205/02 P, C-208/02 P and C-

213/02 P, Dansk Rørindustri A/S and Others v Commission, [2005] ECR, I-5425, paragraph 117, and

Case C-294/98 P Metsä-Serla Oyj and Others v Commission, [2000] ECR I-10065, paragraph 27.

1727

Case T-354/94 Stora Kopparbergs Bergslags v Commission

1728

Case T–314/01 Avebe, paragraph 136, and the following case-law referred therein: Case T-354/94

Dansk Rørindustri and Others v Commission, paragraphs 118 to 122; Case C-196/99 P Aristrain v

Commission, [2003] ECR I-11005, paragraphs 95 to 99; Case T-9/99 HFB, paragraph 527.

EN 265 EN

(875) LGE and Philips disregard that, in fact, the General Court laid down a general

principle in paragraphs 135 and 136 of its judgment in Avebe. The wording of

those paragraphs shows clearly that the General Court assessed the facts of that

case in the light of general legal principles and concluded that in particular any

management power that one undertaking may have over the other can suffice to

demonstrate that decisive influence actually was exerted. The factual situation

in each case may be different, because it pertains in any case to the structure

that the joint venture's parents have decided to establish in each case. Contrary

to what Philips argues, the provisions of the joint venture argreement and the

articles of association are particularly important. Namely, what counts is

whether, on the basis of the facts particular to the case at hand, it is

demonstrated that the joint venture's parents have exercised decisive influence

over the joint venture's conduct, on the basis of factual evidence, in particular,

any management power over the joint venture, which is established specifically

in the agreements concluded for setting up the joint venture. It follows from the

above (Recitals (874)-(875)) that the management power one undertaking has

over another can constitute the factual evidence that demonstrates decisive

influence over the other undertaking.

(876) Moreover, in the Dow and DuPont cases the General Court explained that in the

Avebe case liability was imputed to the parent companies explicitly because

they formed a single undertaking with the joint venture for the purposes of EU

competition law, in which context the unlawful conduct of the subsidiary may

be imputed to the parent companies, and that, contrary to the claims of LGE , in

the Avebe case the subsidiary's absence of legal personality was not

conclusive.

1729

(877) Furthermore, the Court held in the case of Fuji

1730

, that "Proof of the actual

exercise of a decisive influence may therefore be adduced by the Commission by

relying on a body of evidence, even if each of those indicia taken in isolation

does not have sufficient probative value" (see also Recital (726) and the case-

law referred therein).

(878) Regarding the [Philips/LGE joint venture]it should first be reacalled that the 2001

merger decision found on the basis of the following factors that Philips and

LGE had joint control over [Philips/LGE joint venture]: "LGE and Philips will

each receive 50% less one and 50% plus one, respectively, of the shares in the

joint venture. LGE and Philips will have equal representation at the supervisory

board and the board of management. A decision at the shareholders meeting

will be taken by affirmative vote of two-thirds of all the issued and outstanding

sahres. A decision at the suparviory board will be taken jointly by all

themembers of the board where at least one member must be elected by each

party to the joint venture. All decisions taken by the board of management must

be approved by the supervisory board."

(879) Regarding the joint management power of Philips and LGE with respect to the

commercial conduct and policy of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and the fact that

1729

Case T-77/08, DowChemcial, paragraphs 94 and 95, and Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours,

paragraph 79.

1730

Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric, paragraphs 183.

EN 266 EN

the parent companies exercised that power on an equal footing, the Commission

points out that this has been demonstrated in Recitals (824)-(837) firstly on the

basis of the joint venture agreement. The submission of Philips and LGE that

[Philips/LGE joint venture] had its own management for its day-to-day

operations does not change that assessment, because what is decisive is the

power that Philips and LGE had over strategic decisions in [Philips/LGE joint

venture]. According to the case-law, the decisive influence exercised by the

parent company does not have to relate to activities which form part of the

subsidiary’s commercial policy stricto sensu and which are directly linked to the

infringement or that the parent company influences its subsidiary’s policy in the

specific area in which the infringement occurred (for example distribution,

pricing, volumes).

1731

In the Akzo

1732

, judgement the General Court paid

particular attention to the fact that the management power of the parent

company played a significant role in the strategy of the subsidiaries in question.

In its order in case Otis

1733

, the Court ruled that the expression "conduct on the

market" must not be interpreted narrowly, but rather as relating to the

company's commercial strategy.

(880) As the Court stated in the DuPont Judgement, "the decisive influence of the parent

company does not necessarily have to result from specific instructions,

guidelines or rights of co-determination in terms of pricing, production and

sales activities or similar aspects essential to market conduct. Such instructions

are merely a particularly clear indication of the existence of the parent

company’s decisive influence over its subsidiary’s commercial policy. However,

autonomy of the subsidiary cannot necessarily be inferred from their absence. A

parent company may exercise decisive influence over its subsidiaries even when

it does not make use of any actual rights of co-determination and refrains from

giving any specific instructions or guidelines on individual elements of

commercial policy. Thus, a single commercial policy within a group may also

be inferred indirectly from the totality of the economic and legal links between

the parent company and its subsidiaries. For example, the parent company’s

influence over its subsidiaries as regards corporate strategy, operational policy,

business plans, investment, capacity, provision of finance, human resources and

legal matters may have indirect effects on the market conduct of the subsidiaries

and of the whole group. In the end, the decisive factor is whether the parent

company, by reason of the intensity of its influence, can direct the conduct of its

subsidiary to such an extent that the two must be regarded as one economic

unit."

1734

In this respect, contrary to what LGE claims, the DDE's Members

Committee was set up "in order to supervise the business of DDE and to

approve certain matters pertaining to the strategic direction of DDE" and the

Court concluded that "the Members’ Committee held the power to take

decisions determining DDE’s business strategy and did in fact exercise that

1731

Case T-24/05, Alliance One and others v Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 170, and case T-

112/05, Akzo Nobel, paragraph 83.

1732

T-112/05, Akzo Nobel, paragraph 82.

1733

Case C-494/11 P, Otis and Others v Commission, not yet reported, paragraphs 40-43, and Case C-97/08

P, Akzo Nobel, paragraph 61.

1734

Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical, paragraph 77, and Case T-76/08 EI du Pont de Nemours , paragraph 62.

EN 267 EN

power"

1735

. In the present case the powers of the two parent companies of the

joint venture in relation to [Philips/LGE joint venture] are very similar to those

of the parent companies of the joint venture in the cases Dow and DuPont

1736

also concentrating on supervisory functions as in the case of DDE, including in

both cases the fact that the strategic decisions had to be approved in the

supervisory organ that was set up by the parent companies (parents held veto

rights) and staffed with parent companies' representatives (in the Dow/DuPont

case the Members Committee and in the present case the Supervisory Board).

(881) In the case of [Philips/LGE joint venture], the joint venture agreement attributed

to the Supervisory Board, a role (see Recitals (828)-(831)) which included

"supervising the management, direction and control" of the joint venture,

providing "strategic guidance" to the Group Management Team (later on

renamed Executive Board)

1737

, and reviewing and providing "final approvals"

for the plans proposed by Group Management Team/Executive Board.

1738

The

general statements as to the role of supervisory boards under Dutch law

1739

that

Philips and LGE adduce do not change this. Consequently, it is maintained that

the Supervisory Board of [Philips/LGE joint venture] was a body which allowed

Philips and LGE to control all strategic decisions of [Philips/LGE joint venture].

The role of the Supervisory Board was more prominent as it appointed members

of the Group Management Team/Executive Board which was responsible "for

generating the strategic and operational plans of JV, and implementing them

once they have been approved by the Supervisory Board" [1740]

1740

(882) Contrary to the arguments made by Philips and LGE, the Supervisory Board ,was

instrumental in taking strategic decisions in [Philips/LGE joint venture].

Moreover, the power of LGE and Philips to nominate the members of the Group

Management Team/Executive Board, together with the power of the

Supervisory Board to check the management of and to provide strategic

guidance to the Group Management Team/Executive Board, shows that the two

parent companies were able to intervene in case the actions of the Group

Management Team/Executive Board were not satisfactory

1741

. Among the

matters which required prior approval of the Supervisory Board were any

amendment to the Articles of Association of the joint venture, any merger,

business combination, consolidation, reorganization or equivalent transactions

thereto, or any dissolution or winding-up of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company]. The Supervisory Board also had the responsibility to approve the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Annual Operating Budget, to approve all capital

expenditures not part of the annual budget if they were above certain amount, and

even to review and adjust the quarterly [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group

budgets.

1742

According to the Joint Venture Agreement, the directors of the

1735

Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical, paragraph 81, and Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraphs 66,

78.

1736

Case T-77/08, DowChemical , paragraph 99, and Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours, paragraph 79.

1737

[…]

1738

[…]

1739

There are similar formulations in […] reply to the Statement of Objections […] and […] reply to the

Statement of Objections […].

1740

[…]

1741

[…]

1742

[…]

EN 268 EN

Board of Management were appointed directly by the two shareholders of

[Philips/LGE joint venture], namely Philips and LGE, and the Board of

Management was under the supervision, control and direction of the

Supervisory Board. The Supervisory Board also approved the members of the

Board of Directors of the subsidiaries of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent

company]. Lastly, decisions of the General Meeting of Shareholders required an

affirmative vote of shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the shares of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] and decisions of the Supervisory Board required a

majority or supermajority, with the condition that the affirmative vote had to

include at least one member nominated by both LGE and Philips

1743

. These

facts demonstrate that the parent companies could block the strategic business

decisions of their joint venture and that they were required to cooperate

regarding such decisions.

(883) Both LGE and Philips claim that [Philips/LGE joint venture] was not under the

sole control of either of them

1744

. Concerning the General Meeting of

Shareholders, the submission of LGE that it was in a minority at shareholders

meetings and could not take unilateral actions (such as to remove members of

the Supervisory Board and Management Board) is irrelevant. As LGE itself

confirms, at the General Meeting an affirmative vote required at least two thirds

of the outstanding shares of the joint venture. It was never suggested that LGE

or Philips alone had decisive influence over [Philips/LGE joint venture]. On the

contrary, as follows from the above, it was both parent companies, Philips and

LGE, who jointly controlled [Philips/LGE joint venture]. The General Court

replied to this type of argument in the Dow Judgment

1745

where the facts were

comparable to the situation of the Philips and LGE joint venture. The court

found that the fact that the two parent companies had equal shares in the joint

venture and in the associated voting rights meant that each of the parent

companies could block the strategic business decisions of the joint venture, and

that, in order to ensure that the strategic business decisions of their joint venture

were not blocked, the parent companies were required to cooperate, which is

also the case in the Philips/LGE joint venture.

(884) Consequently, given the economic, organisational and legal links that Philips and

LGE had with the joint venture, including in particular the joint management

power and how it was used (for example in the context of the restructuring of

the joint venture in 2002 and 2004) and the fact that Philips and LGE jointly

controlled shares in [Philips/LGE joint venture], each holding a 50% share,

contrary to the parties' arguments, the finding of joint liability of both parent

companies is in line with the case-law.

1746

(885) Philips and LGE also argue that they were not able to manage [Philips/LGE joint

venture] Group, although they had an interest in doing so, meaning that they had

an interest in preventing the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group from supplying

1743

[…]

1744

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […] and […] reply to the Supplementary

Statement of Objections, […]

1745

Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical, paragraphs 81 and 84.

1746

Case T–314/01, Avebe, paragraphs 138-139. See also the Judgments in Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric,

paragraphs 174-204, Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical , and Case T-76/08, EI du Pont de Nemours .

EN 269 EN

allegedly cartelised products to Philips/LGE.

1747

In this respect, reference is

made to the Dow

1748

case where the General Court considered "that as a result

of the parent company’s power of supervision, the parent company has a

responsibility to ensure that its subsidiary complies with the competition rules.

An undertaking which has the possibility of exercising decisive influence over

the business strategy of its subsidiary may therefore be presumed, in the

absence of proof to the contrary, to have the possibility of establishing a policy

aimed at compliance with competition law and to take all necessary and

appropriate measures to supervise the subsidiary’s commercial management.

Mere failure to do so by the shareholder with a power of supervision over such

matters cannot in any event be accepted as a ground on which he can decline

his liability. Accordingly, since any gains resulting from illegal activities accrue

to the shareholders, it is only fair that that those who have the power of

supervision should assume liability for the illegal business activities of their

subsidiaries." Therefore, if a parent company did not succeed in managing its

joint venture in its favour this cannot be used in order to disprove decisive

influence over the joint venture (in presence also of other elements showing this

decisive influence).

(886) In addition, it must be pointed out that the restructuring of [Philips/LGE joint

venture], which included changing the organisational structure, cannot be

regarded only as a financial matter. In fact, this shows the influence of the

parent companies over the core of the general management of the [Philips/LGE

joint venture] Group that necessarily have an effect on the conduct of the

[Philips/LGE joint venture] Group. An example of participation in restructuring,

apart from the powers vested in the Supervisory Board, is an agreement between

Philips and LGE in relation to the restructuring measures with regard to

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary]

1749

. Another example is the amendment

to the joint venture agreement by which the two parent companies changed the

composition of the Group Management Team and renamed it the Executive

Board

1750

. These examples show that the shareholders were not invoved only in

the financial matters related to restructuring and reorganisation.

Legal entities addressed within the single economic entity

(887) When the economic unit (the undertaking) that has infringed the competition rules

has been established, it needs to be identified which natural or legal persons in

that undertaking are to be held responsible for that infringement. As discussed

above (Recitals (866)-(868)), it is established case-law that different companies

belonging to the same group form an economic unit and therefore an

undertaking within the meaning of Article 101 of the Treaty if the companies

concerned do not determine independently their own conduct on the market,

meaning that the parent company (or companies) exercises decisive influence

over subsidiaries within such undertaking. This has been demonstrated to be the

case with regards to Philips and LGE in relation to [Philips/LGE joint venture].

1747

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […], and […] reply to the Supplementaty

Statement of Objections, […].

1748

Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical, paragraph 101.

1749

[…]

1750

[…]

EN 270 EN

(888) Concerning the legal persons that should be held liable, LGE claims that the

Commission does not have the freedom to address the objections only to the

joint venture shareholders, because the Commission decision not to pursue

[Philips/LGE joint venture] has a bearing on the legality of the decision

addressed to LGE as it infringes LGE's rights. LGE also claims that it is

uncontested that it had at no point during the proceedings any control over (and

thus access to) [Philips/LGE joint venture], that participated in the alleged cartel

and that had control over all information with regard to the CRT business both

for the period prior to and after 1 July 2001.

1751

(889) Philips sumbits

1752

, in relation to both [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

[Philips/LGE joint venture's subsidiary], that parental liability is only derivative

and additional and that the legal person managing the undertaking that

committed the infringement should answer for it. It seems that Philips does not

regard a parent company as being "the legal person managing the undertaking",

because it says that it is willing to accept departure from the said principle with

regard to those entities that are still – during the present proceedings – part of

the Philips Group and therefore form a single economic unit with the parent

company of the Philips Group.

(890) Contrary to what LGE and Philips argue, the case-law does not restrict the

Commission in its decision as to which entity to hold liable, the parent company

or the subsidiary once both the relevant undertaking and the exercise of decisive

influence within that undertaking have been established

1753

. The Commission

position in this case is also confirmed by the latest case-law where the General

Court has ruled that the faculty for the Commission to impose a fine to one

and/or to the other entity, parent company and subsidiary that form an

undertaking is a result of the joint and several nature of their liability

1754

. In

particular, the General Court has recently ruled that following established case-

1751

[…] referes to the Joined Cases T-259/02 to T-264/02 and T-271/02, Raiffeisen ZentralbankÖsterreich,

paragraph 331. [A party] states that the General Court ruled in that case that the former parent did not

need to be addressed "[since] the power to penalise the parent company for the conduct of the

subsidiary […] has no bearing on the legality of a decision addressed only to the subsidiary that

participated in the infringement". […] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1752

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […]. To support its argument [a party] refers

to Joined Cases T-122/07 to T-124/07, Siemens AG Östereich and Others v Commission, not yet

reported, paragraph 135. [A party] also refers to the following case law: T-6/89 Enichem Anic v.

Commission, paragraph 236 to 242; C-49/92 P Commission v. Anic Partecipazioni SpA, paragraphs 139

to 147; Joined Cases T-236/01, T-239/01, T-244/01 to T-246/01, T-251/01 and T-252/01, Tokai Carbon

Co. Ltd and Others v. Commission, [2004] ECR II-01181, paragraphs 279 to 281; C-297/98 SCA

Holding v. Commission, [2000] ECR I-10101, paragraph 27.

1753

Joined Cases T-259/02 to T-264/02 and T-271/02, Raiffeisen Zentralbank Österreich, paragraph 331:

"[…]Since the power to penalise the parent company for the conduct of a subsidiary thus has no

bearing on the legality of a decision addressed only to the subsidiary that participated in the

infringement, the Commission may choose to penalise either the subsidiary that participated in the

infringement or the parent company that controlled it during that period".

1754

Case T-372/10, Bolloré, paragraph 50, Joined Cases T-122/07 to T-124/07, Siemens, paragraph 151,

Case C-196/99 P Aristrain, paragraph 99, and Joined Cases C-189/02 P, C-189/02 P, C-202/02 P, C-

205/02 P to C-208/02 P and C-213/02 P, Dansk Rorindustri, paragraphs 33 and 118.

EN 271 EN

law the Commission has a margin of appreciation to decide which entities

within an undertaking it will consider responsible for an infringement

1755

(891) Contrary to LGE's interpretation, Tomkins case relates to the fact that, in the

absence of participation in an infringement by the subsidiary, there is no

infringement to impute to the parent company.

1756

(892) Within the undertaking the liability of the parent company is personal, not

derivative from the liability of its subsidiaries that have participated in the cartel

contacts. In legal terms, the parent is held to be personally liable for the

infringement, which means that when it has decisive influence over a

subsidiary, the parent company is fined for an infringement which it is deemed

to have committed itself

1757

. In this respect, it has to be noted that, unlike Philips

claims, the General Court did not find in the Siemens case that parent company's

liability would be derivative. In fact, the General Court found that there can be

several persons in the same undertaking that are personally liable and that those

may be held jointly and severally liable. It is clear from the facts of the Siemens

case that that the parent is also considered to be personally liable. In the case

Bolloré the General Court clearly spelled out that the parent company liability is

personal. It is not because the Commission has decided to also impute liability

to the subsidiary (or the sister or parent company, as the case may be) that the

liability of one entity within the undertaking (for example of the parent) would

become "ancillary" or "derivative" to that of another entity (for example the

subsidiary). Hence, when the Commission has evidence of the involvement of

an undertaking in a cartel, the fact that the Commission would not impute

liability to one enity in that undertaking does not mean that the liability of

another entity within that undertaking should automatically fall away.

(893) Moreover, when arguing that instead of addressing the parent companies of

[Philips/LGE joint venture], the Commission should address and try to recover

fines from subsidiaries in the [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group, Philips and

LGE refer to subsidiaries for which there is no evidence of cartel participation

or of management power over the entities that were in the cartels

1758

. There is

thus no basis for claiming that those would be successors of the [Philips/LGE

joint venture] entities that participated in the cartel. They purely exist until the

liquidators have wound up the whole [Philips/LGE joint venture] Group.

Instead, as proven above, Philips and LGE had management power over

[Philips/LGE joint venture] that they actually exercised and the Philips and LGE

Groups also participated in the cartels prior to the creation of [Philips/LGE joint

venture] there being therefore continuity of that cartel participation via

[Philips/LGE joint venture].

1755

Case T-361/06, Ballast Nedam NV v. Commission, not yet reported, paragraph 75. See also the case law

referred therein: Case T-65/89, BPB Industries, paragraph 154, and Case T-203/01 Michelin, paragraph

290.

1756

Case T-382/06, Tomkins plc v Commission, [2011] ECR II-01157, paragraph 38, […].

1757

Case T-372/10, Bolloré, paragraphs 51-52, and Joined Cases T-122/07 to T-124/07, Siemens, paragraph

150-151. Contarary to what [a party] claims, the Court in case Elf Aquitaine did not state that the

parental liability is additional. Case T-299/08 Elf Aquitaine, paragraph 60.

1758

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […], and […] reply to the Supplementary

Statement of Objections, […].

EN 272 EN

Awareness of the infringement committed by [Philips/LGE joint venture] and personnel

links between [Philips/LGE joint venture] and parent companies

(894) Philips and LGE contest the findings regarding awareness or likely awareness of

the infringement committed by [Philips/LGE joint venture] and on the findings

regarding personnel links between [Philips/LGE joint venture] and parent

companies.

1759

Regarding awareness, both submit that not only is awareness of

the infringement committed by the joint venture irrelevant when attributing

parental liability but that the Commission has not established that they would

have been aware of the infringements committed by [Philips/LGE joint

venture].

1760

Both also argue that their employees/representatives never

informed management of any cartel activity prior to or since the creation of

[Philips/LGE joint venture]. Philips also claims that in order to attribute parental

liability it is not sufficient to have awareness of the infringement of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] in combination with the possibility of exercising

decisive influence over [Philips/LGE joint venture]. LGE […] state that no

information about exchanges with competitors was submitted to anyone outside

the CRT business unit, either prior to or after the creation of [Philips/LGE joint

venture]. It argues that any awareness stayed within the CRT business unit of

LGE and was hidden from the rest of the group which procured CRTs and had

an opposed interest. Moreover, it claims that [Philips/LGE joint venture] was a

supplier of LGE and would have no interest in discussing any cartel business

with LGE. Finally, LGE argues that any participation in the cartels was hidden

from LGE and its representatives in the Supervisory Board and that LGE is not

aware that the Executive Board would have taken direct interest in and

requested contacts with competitors

1761

(895) Regarding personnel links, Philips considers that the existence of simultaneous or

consecutive positions at the Supervisory Boarddoes not mean that the

individuals holding those positions were aware of any infringements committed

by [Philips/LGE joint venture]. With the exception of [name]

1762

, none of the

Supervisory Board members had been alleged to have been involved in any

cartel activities. […] [T]here were no reporting lines between [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and Philips, an employee [name] who is alleged to have participated in

cartel activities both before and during the existence of the joint venture was

low ranking and never reported to Philips or to anybody at [Philips/LGE joint

venture].

1763

Philips further claims that the fact that people moved from Philips

to [Philips/LGE joint venture] (or returned to Philips from [Philips/LGE joint

venture]) is irrelevant as it does not give any control to Philips over those

individuals during their employment in [Philips/LGE joint venture] and that the

same applies to people that allegedly participated in the cartel contacts for

Philips and afterwards for [Philips/LGE joint venture]. Lastly, Philips claims

that the General Court in Fuji

1764

only considered as relevant overlapping

1759

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […], and […] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1760

[…] refers to Case T-12/03, Itochu Corp. v. Commission, [2009] ECR II-909,paragraph 58.

1761

[…] reply to the Supplementaty Statement of Objections, […].

1762

Whose alleged participation in the cartel activities ceased, according to […], well before the

establishment of [Philips/LGE joint venture].

1763

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […].

1764

Case T-132/07, Fuji Electric, paragraph 199.

EN 273 EN

managerial positions between a parent company and joint venture when

analysing decisive influence, implying that consecutive management positions

would not have any meaning

1765

(896) LGE submits that there were no dual positions at LGE and [Philips/LGE joint

venture] and that it is not sufficient to point out four non-executive persons of

more than 12 000 employees transferred originally to [Philips/LGE joint

venture] who later returned to LGE and none of whom was an executive. LGE

submits that none of the employees transferred to [Philips/LGE joint venture]

received a guarantee of return to LGE and to support this submits [an annex to

LGE's reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections]

1766

. Concerning

[name], who was both an employee of LGE and a member of [Philips/LGE joint

venture's] Supervisory Board, LGE states that [name] never was an employee of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] but was nominated by LGE to sit on [Philips/LGE

joint venture's] Supervisory Board. At the same time LGE repeats its arguments

that such a position does not indicate that LGE could give instructions to

[Philips/LGE joint venture] – the Supervisory Board did not have that power

and LGE did not have a majority on [Philips/LGE joint venture's] Supervisory

Board. LGE states that [name] was never involved in the CRT business, nor did

he ever participate in the infringement.

1767

(897) As is clear from the wording in the Statement of Objections and the

Supplementary Statements of Objections, awareness of the cartels constitutes a

further element in the set of factors showing exercise of decisive influence. As

stated in the Dow Judgement

1768

"there is no requirement, in order to impute to

a parent company liability for the acts undertaken by its subsidiary, to prove

that that parent company was directly involved in, or was aware of, the

offending conduct. It is […]because they form a single undertaking for the

purposes of Article 81 EC that the Commission is able to address the decision

imposing fines to the parent company". However, having participated in the

cartels themselves previously, and [Philips/LGE joint venture] continuing that

participation, there was an uninterrupted presence in the cartel for both Philips

and LGE Groups also after the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and

therefore the parent companies must have known about the continuing

participation of [Philips/LGE joint venture].

(898) The personnel links between [Philips/LGE joint venture] and parents show how

the provisions of the joint venture agreement were actually implemented in

practice and they also support the conclusion on the awareness element. The

joint venture agreement stipulates that both parents, Philips and LGE, nominate

or appoint an equal number of members and managers both on the strategic

management level (Supervisory Baord) and on the operational level (Board of

Management and Executive Board). The evidence regarding appointments

shows that this was applied in practice and that many senior officers or

1765

[…] reply to the Supplementary Statement of Objections, […].

1766

[…] reply to the Supplementaty Statement of Objections, […].

1767

[…] reply to the Statement of Objections, […]. [A party] reiterates arguments from its reply to the

Statement of Objections and submits new arguments in its reply to the Supplementaty Statement of

Objections, […].

1768

Case T-77/08, Dow Chemical, paragraph 106.

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managers had consecutive or simultaneous positions in a parent company and

the joint venture. Entrusting individuals with consecutive or simultaneous

positions in the parent companies and the joint venture constitutes a classic

mechanism to keep coherence within the members of the group (in this case

between the joint venture and the parents) and information flow and guarantees

predictability of management and predictability of policy aspects (see also

Recital (726) and the case-law referred to therein). Contrary to what Philips and

LGE claim, the employees concerned were significant regarding their positions

or involvement in the business. As an illustration, in relation to Philips, [name]

was the [manager] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] (member of the Executive

Board), who before this appointment was [manager] of [Philips' organisational

entity]

1769

; [name] was [manager] of [Philip' subsidiary] until he was appointed

as [manager] of [Philips/LGE joint venture] (member of the Executive

Board)

1770

; [name], who before the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] was

[manager] […], became [manager] […] (member of the Execitive Board) after

the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] (in [date] [name] went back to

Philips at the position [manager] […], in […])

1771

; [name], who was CDT

[manager] in Philips and in [Philips/LGE joint venture] [manager]

1772

; and

[name] was [manager] at [Philips' subsidiary] and was appointed [manager] of

[Philips/LGE joint venture] (member of the Executive Board)

1773

. In relation to

LGE, [name] was [manager] […] in LGE Headquarters and became a member

of the Board of Management of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company]

and a member of the Group ManagementTeam/Executive Board of

[Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company] (as [manager] and then as

[manager])

1774

; [name] was a manager in LGE and became member of the

Board of Management of [Philips/LGE joint venture's parent company]

1775

(899) Further, concerning the cartel behaviour, at least one of the members of the joint

venture's Supervisory Board had participated in cartel meetings on behalf of

Philips before the creation of [Philips/LGE joint venture] and proved to be one

of main sources of information […] for the joint venture's partication in the

cartels. There is also evidence concerning employees, which originally were

employed by Philips Group and were after the formation of [Philips/LGE joint

venture] transferred to [Philips/LGE joint venture], having participated in cartel

meetings both before and during the existence of the joint venture, among which

are high level employees (for example [names]). This disproves the arguments

that members of the management bodies or senior employees of [Philips/LGE

joint venture] and parents were not aware of any illicit behaviour. The

individuals referred to in Recitals (842)-(843) are not random employees as

LGE is attempting to suggest but persons who were involved in the cartel

activities and who held management positions within LGE/[Philips/LGE joint

1769

[…]

1770

[…]

1771

[…]

1772

[…]

1773

[…]

1774

[…]

1775

[…]

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venture] (the same applies to individuals relevant for Philips referred to in

Recitals (840)-(841)).

(900) LGE contests that shareholders could have prevented the cartel and claims that

this implies that whatever the shareholders did they would be held liable

1776

this respect LGE states that the cases Raiffeisen and Agroexpansión

1777

deal

with different facts than the present case as in each of them it was established

that the parent company was kept informed about and even participated in the

cartel meetings. However, as already pointed out, the General Court

1778

has

already answered to this type of argument and found that: "as a result of the

parent company’s power of supervision, the parent company has a