Final European Court decision on EU antitrust fine against the former Degussa: Methionine

Published: May 28, 2008

Source : Evonik (formerly Degussa) website

In 2003, former Degussa had been fined by the European Commission to 118 Mio Euros in the so-called “Methionine cartel case”.

By its appeal at the Court of First Instance Justice (ECJ), Degussa reached a reduction of the fine by about 25 per cent to 91 Mio Euros. In a second court appeal, Evonik-Degussa tried to get the fine further reduced.

In its decision of May 22, 2008, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) now rejected Evonik’s appeal. Thus, the fine now stands. Still, the reduction reached in the first instance can be regarded as a big success.

The new ruling is of no effect on Evonik’s current economic situation, as the fine has been completely paid already in 2003.

Source