Chiquita Brands International has shed more light on the latest EU probe into claims of a cartel in the banana industry by admitting it has received a notice regarding the investigation. The US-based fruit giant said it had been sent a “statement of objections” over the probe, which is looking into claims of a banana cartel in southern Europe. Chiquita said the claims centre on “activities alleged to have occurred” between July 2004 and January 2006. Last year, the company... ...Read more »

The Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Competition Policy and Consumer Affairs, Chris Bowen, has announced a package of measures providing criminal sanctions for serious cartel conduct, including providing power to the ACCC to tap telephone calls for investigatory purposes. After lengthy consultation with businesses, academics and the community at large, the Government yesterday released the final cartels bill in response to their election promise. “Together with the United States, the 10‑year... ...Read more »