The UK Competition and Market Authority (“CMA”) recently announced that it launched an investigation under Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998 into possible anti-competitive behavior involving certain suppliers of fragrances and fragrance ingredients used in the manufacture of household and personal care products. Chapter I of the Competition Act prohibits agreements or collective practices and decisions which have as their object or effect the restriction, prevention, or distortion of competition within the UK and which affect trade within the UK. The investigation, which was launched on March 7, 2023 in consultation US Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, the European Commission, and the Swiss Competition Commission, focuses on four companies: Firmenich International SA, Givaudan SA, International Flavours & Fragrances Inc., and Symrise AG.
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