Antitrust proceedings

In 2006, the European Commission imposed fines against Solvay (including Ausimont SpA, acquired by Solvay in 2002) for alleged breaches of competition rules in the peroxygens market for which Solvay was fined.

Joint civil lawsuits were filed before the Court of Dortmund (Germany) in 2009 against Solvay and other manufacturers based on an alleged antitrust violation, claiming damages from the manufacturers on a joint and several basis. The value of the claims reduced after several settlements is worth €63 million (excluding interest) after settlements were reached between the plaintiff and most of the defendants. Several questions on the jurisdiction of the Court of Dortmund have been submitted to the European Court of Justice, and proceedings before the Court of Dortmund are pending.

In Brazil, Solvay is facing administrative claims related to alleged cartel activities in various markets. CADE (the Brazilian antitrust authority) issued fines against Solvay and others in May 2012 relating to Hydrogen Peroxide activity and in February 2016 related to perborate activity (Solvay’s shares of these fines amount to €29.6 million and €3.99 million respectively). Solvay has filed a claim contesting these administrative fines before the Brazilian Federal Court.