German conglomerate BayWa has announced in a statement that it is cooperating with antitrust authority Bundeskartellamt over a matter of alleged competition restriction in the wholesale trade of crop protection materials.
The group had offices at its headquarters searched on 3 March by the Bundeskartellamt, an independent competition authority whose task is to protect competition in Germany, following an order issued by the Local Court (Amtsgericht) in Bonn.
The investigation is related to allegations that employees of the company were allegedly involved in agreements aimed at restricting competition in the wholesale trade of crop protection materials, in a timeframe dating back to 2000.
BayWa, which said it supports antitrust authorities in 'clearing up accusations', noted that it was is not in possession of details regarding the accusations.
“BayWa will cooperate fully with the Bundeskartellamt in all matters,” said Klaus Josef Lutz, chief executive officer of BayWa. “Our greatest interest lies in resolving this matter completely and in punishing any misconduct to the fullest extent.”
