Maersk, MSC offer to settle EU pricing probe

Changing policy: File picture showing MV Maersk Mc-Kinney Moller, the world’s biggest container ship, arriving at the harbour of Rotterdam. Maersk and 14 other firms have offered to publish binding actual rates a month before they go into effect. – Reuters

BRUSSELS: Leading shipping container groups Maersk, MSC and 13 other firms have offered to change their pricing practices to settle an EU antitrust probe and stave off any fines, three people familiar with the matter said.

The case is being closely watched by other sectors such as supermarkets and chemical firms which use similar methods to announce future price hikes to enable customers to choose the best rates and are keen to get some regulatory guidance.