Procter & Gamble, a multinational company behind well-known brands such as Tide detergent, is being investigated by the European Union for potential antitrust violations. The investigation was launched in March by the European Commission, which is examining whether companies in the non-alcoholic beverage and consumer goods sectors have engaged in practices that restrict the free movement of goods across the EU or divided up markets in violation of antitrust regulations.
According to Reuters, the probe is part of a broader investigation into companies that may have engaged in anti-competitive practices. Coca-Cola was also previously mentioned as being under scrutiny in the same investigation. The European Commission has sent Procter & Gamble a detailed antitrust questionnaire and gathered information from competitors and customers.
While no formal charges have been made, companies found to have breached EU competition rules could face fines of up to 10% of their global annual turnover. The investigation’s exact scope and the nature of the potential violations are not clear, leaving Procter & Gamble and the European Commission to comment on the matter.