By Tom Davis
Ottawa, Ontario — December 14, 2017 — The Ontario Superior Court of Justice has fined Japanese car parts manufacturer NGK Spark Plug $550,000, after the company pleaded guilty to its role in an international bid rigging conspiracy.
A Competition Bureau investigation determined that NGK entered into illegal agreements with another supplier of spark plugs. The federal agency said the companies conspired to determine who would win certain calls for bids issued by the General Motors Company in 2005.
“The 12th guilty plea in this international bid rigging case is a testament to the Competition Bureau’s unwavering commitment to the promotion of a competitive and innovative marketplace for the benefit of Canadians,” commented Rami Greiss, Senior Deputy Commissioner of Competition at the Competition Bureau. “Cracking down on cartels is a top enforcement priority for the bureau and we will continue to vigorously pursue those who participate in cartel activities.”
Since April 2013, Competition Bureau investigations involving car parts have resulted in over $84.7 million in fines imposed by the courts in Canada.
