The Competition Council has in its ruling found that Stora Enso, UPM-Kymmene and Metsäliitto breached regulations of the Act on Competition Restrictions and imposed on each of them a fine of FIM 10 million for infringement. In January 1998 the Competition Authority made inspection visits to the offices of various forest companies in different parts of Finland and believed that they had found indications of illegal collaboration in follow-up meetings held in the Mikkeli region. The matter was passed for consideration to the Competition Council in March this year with a proposal by the Competition Authority that a fine of FIM 20 million be imposed on each defendant for infringement. Stora Enso then made a corresponding provision in its accounts.
According to the Competition Council, the aim of the forest companies in these follow-up meetings had been to improve the timber supply. However, exchange of information created a channel and means for collaboration between the companies through which information covered by the Act on Competition Restrictions had been exchanged. An appeal against the ruling of the Competition Council may be made to the Supreme Administrative Court. Stora Enso is considering lodging such an appeal.
For further information:
Senior Vice President Voitto Pölkki, telephone +358 40 550 1428
Vice President, Regional Procurement Matti Karjula, telephone +358 2046 23009 or +358 40 520 6240
