Reference no: EM133411329
Loblaw Companies Ltd - Price Fixing - Bread
In exchange for immunity granted under the competition Bureau's immunity and leniency program and pursuant to the Competition Act, in 2017 Loblaw Companies Ltd (Loblaw) admitted it had participated in an industry-side price-fixing arrangement with Canada's top bread suppliers, Canada Bread and Weston Bakers for 14 years.
The conspiracy involved annually increasing bread prices, averaging an increase of 10 cents per product, and coordinating their simultaneous application by the major retailers - namely Sobeys, Metro, Walmart, and Giant Tiger. The information provided by Loblaw is assisting the Competition Bureau in its investigation and prosecution of the other conspirators.
Questions:
1. Is it ethical for retailers and suppliers to canvass and match competitors' prices? Why or why not? How is it different from competitors agreeing to price match?
2. Why do you think the Competition Bureau needs an immunity and leniency program?
3. Several class action lawsuits have been launched across Canada against Loblaw and the bread suppliers. What are the potential ramifications for the companies involved stemming from these lawsuits?
4. What is the maximum financial penalty that Sobeys or Walmart could face if found guilty of price fixing?