Japan's Fair Trade Commission raids four biggest brewers over suspected price-fixing
Japan's Fair Trade Commission searched the offices of Asahi, Kirin, Suntory and Sapporo over suspicions they colluded to set beer prices.
Japan's Fair Trade Commission has searched the offices of the country's four largest brewers over suspected price-fixing, the BBC and The Guardian report.
The Guardian says officials this week searched Asahi Breweries, Kirin Brewery, Suntory Beer and Sapporo Breweries. It says the four together control more than 90% of Japan's domestic beer market.
The companies are suspected of violating the anti-monopoly law, according to the Guardian. It says they are suspected of colluding to set prices for beer and other beverages.
The Guardian cites media reports saying the practice could have forced drinkers to pay more than they should have.
Reported by
- BBC NewsAsahi and Kirin among Japan beer giants raided over alleged price-fixing cartelWed, Oct 7, 8:53 PM EDT
- The GuardianJapan beer giants raided over suspicions they colluded to set the price of beveragesWed, Oct 7, 11:54 PM EDT
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