Milk War Ends as Court Upholds €70m Fine on Valio
FINLAND - Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a decision by the Market Court to fine the Finnish dairy company Valio €70 million for abusing its dominant market position in the local fresh milk market. The decision marks the end of a years-long dispute involving Valio, competition authorities and competitors over wholesale milk prices.The Supreme Administrative Court ruled Thursday to uphold a decision by Finland’s Market court to impose a 70 million-euro fine on Finnish dairy company Valio, for abusing its then-dominant market position to sell milk at below-production wholesale prices.
The ruling marks the close of the final chapter in a legal dispute involving the Finnish dairy company, local competition authorities and main competitor, Denmark-headquartered Arla, over wholesale milk prices in Finland.
The Court found that between 2010 and 2012, Valio exploited its market leader position to sell raw milk at below-market prices.
The decision means that Valio’s competitors may now seek damages from the company in the Helsinki District Court, in a process that could potentially take years.
Source: YLE News
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