CADE convicts TV manufacturers for international cartel

On 19 March, the Tribunal of CADE convicted 2 companies and 9 individuals for international cartel in the global market for manufacturing and selling colour picture tubes (CPT), which impacted Brazil. 

The alleged violations occurred approximately from 1990 to 2007.Commissioner Camila Pires Alves, rapporteur of the case, highlighted in her vote the large body of direct and indirect evidence gathered during the investigation. There were reports and meeting minutes records with the exchange of competitively sensitive information among competitors. 

The evidence in the case files is a collection of accounts and documents submitted during the negotiation of the Leniency and Cease and Desist agreements, signed in the original case already reviewed by CADE. Ms Alves explained that the standard of proof adopted according to the authority’s precedents reinforces that “the narratives of Leniency and Cease and Desist agreements are relevant cartel data sources, but need to be corroborated by additional documentation.” 

Moreover, the rapporteur affirmed that the cartel conduct became evident due to frequent contacts between the colour picture tubes (CPT) manufacturers, and to the bilateral and multilateral meetings between them to exchange information on production and sales, price-fixing, and market shares. 

The Tribunal unanimously decided for the conviction of the companies Orion Eletric Corporation Ltd. and Thai - CRT Company Limited, as well as of 9 individuals. Also, it established fines to be paid within 30 days from the date of the decision. 

Imposed fines totalled more than BRL 18.5 million. 

Access Case no.08700.010731/2013-00.