|
BEIJING, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- Chinese regulators have decided to fine Swedish firm Tetra Pak 668 million-yuan (97 million U.S. dollars) for abuse of market dominance, an official statement said Wednesday.
The food processing and packaging company was found to have used its dominant position to force businesses to purchase of its packaging, restrict suppliers' cooperation with its rivals and hamper fair competition from 2009 to 2013, according to the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC).
The practices violated the Anti-trust Law and should cease, the SAIC said.
The agency opened a monopoly investigation into Tetra Pak's China business in 2012.
Tetra Pak accepted the punishment and said its commitment to the Chinese market remains strong.
"We are disappointed with the decision but have decided to accept it and do not intend to appeal," said company spokesman Chris Huntley.
The firm will ensure compliance with the legislation, he said.
Tetra Pak is one of the world's largest liquid food packaging suppliers and entered China in 1972. It was once punished by the European Union for another monopoly.
