11 May 2004
From Rubber & Plastics News
Akron, Ohio-Goodyear is suing at least 12 companies in the US and Europe for alleged price-fixing of EPDM rubber.
The suit, claiming a violation of the federal Sherman Act, was filed 7 May in federal court in Akron. Antitrust authorities in North America and Europe are conducting an investigation of EPDM suppliers over alleged price-fixing and anti-competitive practices.
Goodyear said it is a significant global purchaser of EPDM, and is seeking to recover overcharges. The company is suing Crompton Corp., Bayer AG, Bayer Polymers LLC, Bayer Corp., Uniroyal Chemical Co. Inc., Dow Chemical Co., DuPont, DuPont Dow Elastomers, DSM Elastomers BV, DSM Copolymer Inc., Polimeri Europa SpA, Polimeri Europa SRL and Polymeri Europa Americas Inc.
Crompton already has pleaded guilty to price-fixing and agreed to pay a $50-million fine. DuPont also has taken a $150-million charge against earnings to cover expected losses at its DuPont Dow Elastomers joint venture concerning the EPDM probe.
Goodyear did not say what compensation it is seeking. The company said it may add other defendants to its complaint in the future.
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