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Morrisons sues over milk-fix slur | Morrisons sues over milk-fix slur |
(20 minutes later) | |
Supermarket chain Morrisons is suing the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for naming it in connection with an alleged milk cartel, the OFT has confirmed. | Supermarket chain Morrisons is suing the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) for naming it in connection with an alleged milk cartel, the OFT has confirmed. |
The OFT alleged Morrisons was one of a number of firms involved in fixing the price of milk products in 2002. It later clarified the accusations. | |
Morrisons has accused the OFT of damaging its reputation by naming it as part of the milk price probe. | Morrisons has accused the OFT of damaging its reputation by naming it as part of the milk price probe. |
A Morrisons spokesperson refused to comment on its legal action. | A Morrisons spokesperson refused to comment on its legal action. |
'Ongoing litigation' | 'Ongoing litigation' |
The OFT said that: "There is ongoing litigation, relating to the content of a press release, which we are not able to discuss." | The OFT said that: "There is ongoing litigation, relating to the content of a press release, which we are not able to discuss." |
"But we can confirm that there is a continuing investigation into alleged collusion by Morrisons concerning milk prices in 2002," it added. | "But we can confirm that there is a continuing investigation into alleged collusion by Morrisons concerning milk prices in 2002," it added. |
In September 2007, the OFT said it had provisionally found evidence against a number of supermarkets and dairy processors. | In September 2007, the OFT said it had provisionally found evidence against a number of supermarkets and dairy processors. |
It alleged they had colluded to fix the price of some dairy products by sharing commercially sensitive information in 2002 and in some cases, 2003. | It alleged they had colluded to fix the price of some dairy products by sharing commercially sensitive information in 2002 and in some cases, 2003. |
The OFT clarified its position concerning Morrisons in December last year. | The OFT clarified its position concerning Morrisons in December last year. |
It said its provisional findings related to allegations Morrisons colluded in respect of certain liquid milk products in 2002 only and that it regretted "any confusion which may have arisen". | It said its provisional findings related to allegations Morrisons colluded in respect of certain liquid milk products in 2002 only and that it regretted "any confusion which may have arisen". |
Asda, Dairy Crest, Safeway, Sainsbury's, The Cheese Company and dairy firm Wiseman, admitted anti-competitive practices and agreed to pay fines totalling £116m. | Asda, Dairy Crest, Safeway, Sainsbury's, The Cheese Company and dairy firm Wiseman, admitted anti-competitive practices and agreed to pay fines totalling £116m. |
Morrisons bought Safeway in 2004, after the period when the practices took place. | Morrisons bought Safeway in 2004, after the period when the practices took place. |
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