Close co-operation with EU anti-trust authorities in their crackdown on beer cartels has worked in Interbrew's favour and reduced the fine for its anti-competitive practices in Belgium from 10% of its turnover to just 46.5m euros (£30m). The European Commission found Interbrew, domestic rival Alken Maes and several smaller players, guilty of operating illegal cartels in Belgium in the mid 1990s. Alken Maes' British parent S&N is not implicated in the inquiry as it purchased Alken Maes after the period under investigation and former parent Danone will have to foot its £44.6m euros bill. The commission found evidence proving that the companies were guilty of price fixing, market sharing and information exchange between 1993 and 1998, but reduced the fines levied in recognition of their full co-operation in the inquiry. Investigations are continuing in the Netherlands and France, where Interbrew could face further penalties. Interbrew accepted it had "taken actions which were incompatible with the competition rules of the EU," but said an internal audit system had been introduced to ensure it did not breach competition laws again. Interbrew executive vice president Patrice Thys said a provision had been made in the 1999 accounts to cover the fine. He added: "We now have in our operations a strict compliance programme and reinforced code of conduct." Interbrew denied reports based on leaked documents that it is planning a takeover of South African Breweries. This would usually preclude a bid for six months but the authorities said because of the circumstances the time restriction would not be enforced. {{NEWS }}

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