Autorité de la concurrence has fined six home appliance makers total of € 189 mn (US$214 million) for price-rigging in 2006 and 2009, the largest penalty it has handed out so far this year.

Whirlpool, Electrolux, Bosch’s BSH unit ROBG, Indesit, Candy Hoover, and Eberhardt Frères were fined for agreeing on price increases on washing machines, fridges or ovens.

Since these firms account for 70% of French household appliances market, the cartel had a major impact on prices paid by retailers and consumers.

For more: http://www.autoritedelaconcurrence.fr/user/standard.php?id_rub=684&id_article=3305&lang=en