French Competition Authority fines TNT, K + N

France’s Autorité de la Concurrence has ordered Netherlands-based TNT Express and third party logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel of Switzerland to pay nearly $100 million in fines for alleged anti-competitive behavior in the French parcel delivery sector.    France’s Autorité de la Concurrence has ordered global express carrier TNT Express and third party logistics provider Kuehne + Nagel of Switzerland to pay nearly $100 million in fines for alleged anti-competitive behavior in the French parcel delivery sector.
   The French Competition Authority handed down fines of 58 million euros (U.S. $63.34 million) and 32 million euros (U.S. $34.95 million), respectively, to TNT and K + N.
   In both cases, the fines stem from activities that took place prior to 2010, and both companies noted in statements they have cooperated with the FCA since the onset of its investigation.
   Netherlands-based TNT Express, which agreed to be acquired by FedEx Corp. for $4.8 billion in April, said it entered into a settlement agreement with the FCA during the third quarter of 2014 and “booked a provision of €50 million in relation to this matter.” The company added it will “review the merits” of the FCA’s decision.
   Kuehne + Nagel noted that its case relates to the alleged behavior of subsidiary French Alloin Group, primarily prior to the company’s acquisition by K + N in 2009.
   “Regarding the fine of EUR 32 million for the Alloin Group, approximately EUR 31 million are attributable to the time before the acquisition of the Alloin Group by Kuehne + Nagel,” the Swiss 3PL said.
   “Kuehne + Nagel is reviewing all options, including an appeal against the decision as well as a recourse against the sellers,” it added.