The EU Commission has imposed fines against various logistics companies in antitrust proceedings pending since several years, amounting to € 53.7 million in the case of Kuehne + Nagel. The logistics companies were accused to have coordinated their activities in respect to establishing certain surcharges for airfreight forwarding services during a period prior to 2007. In proceedings in the United States relating to the same activities Kuehne + Nagel entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and agreed to a fine of $ 9.8 million.
“We will carefully consider the decision of the EU Commission and its rationale,” said Karl Gernandt, Chairman of Kuehne + Nagel International AG. “However, already now we are of the opinion that the Commission has not correctly investigated the facts and the participation of Kuehne + Nagel and has drawn significantly incorrect factual and legal conclusions.
In addition, Kuehne + Nagel’s comprehensive cooperation throughout the investigation was not adequately acknowledged. That is why we take into consideration to appeal against the decision before the European courts.”
About Kuehne + Nagel
With more than 63,000 employees at 1,000 locations in over 100 countries, the
Kuehne + Nagel Group is one of the world’s leading logistics companies. Its strong market position lies in the seafreight, airfreight, contract logistics and overland businesses, with a clear focus on providing IT-based lead logistics and supply chain management services.
For further information, please visit www.kuehne-nagel.com
Inquiries:
Inge Lauble-Meffert
Tel. +41 (0)44 786 96 78
Fax +41 (0)44 786 96 90
SOURCE: Submitted by Kuehne + Nagel
