National

8-Year Probe Into Alleged Chocolate Price-Fixing Ends After Charges Stayed

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 18 Nov, 2015 11:06 AM

OTTAWA — An eight-year investigation into allegations of price fixing in the chocolate candy business has concluded after charges against Nestle Canada and a former executive were stayed.

The Public Prosecution Service of Canada entered a stay of proceedings Tuesday against the company and former president Robert Leonidas, who were accused of conspiring to fix chocolate prices between 2002 and 2008.

No reason was give for the Crown's decision.

Two months ago, prosecutors also abandoned charges against Mars Canada, former Nestle Canada executive Sandra Martinez, distributor ITWAL Ltd. and its former CEO, David Glenn Stevens.

Hershey Canada, the only company convicted in the case, pleaded guilty in June 2013 to price-fixing and was fined $4 million.

Hershey had co-operated in the Competition Bureau's investigation and the regulator recommended the company receive lenient treatment in return.

The charges stem from an investigation launched in July 2007 after the bureau was contacted by Cadbury Adams Canada Inc. under the bureau's immunity program.

The bureau says it now considers the investigation closed.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. Panel Orders $42 Million In Penalties For Securities-related Infractions

In its decision announced Monday, the British Columbia Securities Commission also fined and permanently cease-traded Bossteam E-Commerce, the company co-founded by Yan Zhu, also known as Rachel Zhu, and Guan Qiang Zhang

B.C. Panel Orders $42 Million In Penalties For Securities-related Infractions

B.C. To Legislate $36-Billion Agreement With Pacific Northwest LNG

VICTORIA — Finance Minister Mike de Jong says the potential economic returns from British Columbia's first liquefied-natural-gas deal will outweigh any targeted-tax tradeoffs included in a 25-year deal he expects to table in the legislature next week.

B.C. To Legislate $36-Billion Agreement With Pacific Northwest LNG

Pan Am Games Officials Warn Of Traffic Issues, Implore Residents To Take Transit

TORONTO — Pan Am Games officials are stressing the importance of using anything but a car to get around the Toronto region as the multi-sport event gets underway.

Pan Am Games Officials Warn Of Traffic Issues, Implore Residents To Take Transit

National Chief Bellegarde Calls On Canada To Make Reconciliation Real

MONTREAL — National Chief Perry Bellegarde wants First Nations and other Canadians alike to get involved in the federal election campaign and push for reconciliation.