CCHBC said it would be evaluating the ruling. “We have cooperated fully with the competition commission throughout the investigation and are confident that our commercial practices are in compliance with all laws,” the company said. “We are currently evaluating the decision of the competition commission.”
GREECE: Coca-Cola bottler fined $2.5 million
Antitrust regulators in Greece have fined the Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company (CCHBC) $2.5 million for violating antitrust laws. The Greek Competition Commission ruled that in offering rebates to wholesalers who met certain sales targets and providing a preferential service to those carrying its products exclusively, the company had abused its dominant position in the market. The complaint had originally been filed by a distributor in 1991 and was joined by PepsiCo in 1998.