The director general of the Israeli Antitrust Authority, Ronit Kan, issued a fine of ILS5m (US$1.06) in an agreed order with Strauss-Elite.
It had previously been found that the confectionery and dairy company was guilty of obstructing Carmit’s successful introduction of Cadbury chocolate to Israel by former director general Dror Strum. Following a hearing, it was decided that an agreed order, rather than an indictment, would set the penalty.
According to a report in the Financial Times, under the agreed order Strauss-Elite will not hinder wholesalers’ activities through the reduction of rebates and worsening of contractual terms if a retailer offers competitor’s products.
The fine amounts to 4% of the company’s ILS128.2m profit between January and September 2005.
