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Brazil: Bosch blows the whistle in spark plug cartel

By  |  September 8, 2014

Auto parts conglomerate Bosch has reportedly approached Brazilian competition regulators with claims that the company has been colluding with Japan-based NGK Spark Plug, say reports.

Bosch conducted an internal investigation regarding the matter and has now approached antitrust regulator CADE with evidence it had been conducting in anticompetitive conduct with NGK.

NGK declined to comment on the matter. The Japanese company was fined $52.1 million by the US Department of Justice last month for fixing prices and rigging bids for spark plug supply contracts.

Bosch said Monday that it has reported itself to the authorities, but did not elaborate on what the collusion with NGK entailed.

Under antitrust law, companies that first approach CADE with evidence of collusive behavior can become eligible for leniency if sanctions are issued.

Full content: Reuters

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