EU antitrust investigation of auto parts company

Beijing on the morning of July 16, the European Union on Friday confirmed that, for antitrust reasons, has been part of the automotive thermal systems, such as air conditioning and engine cooling products manufacturer conducted surprise checks.

EU antitrust commissioner Joaquin Almunia, a spokesman did not specify which companies were checked as well as the number of companies involved, nor did he surprise inspections in which countries.

Behr GmbH, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, said on Friday that the EU's antitrust division in May, the company carried out surprise checks. The company said on its Web site, the relevant departments of the United States is similar investigation of the company.

Behr CEO Peter Grunow said, "it is necessary to investigate all possible violations. Investigation we will cooperate fully with the relevant departments and to strengthen compliance efforts worldwide."

The company employed 17,400 people in 36 production centers worldwide, the company said the investigation occurred long before Mahle GmbH acquisition of shares of the Company.

Spot checks of the EU's antitrust division is the first step in antitrust efforts. Anti-Monopoly Committee has always stressed that spot checks are not prejudging the findings, or check monopoly behavior.