Swiss authorities open fragrance cartel probe

Swiss antitrust authorities are investigating Swiss, German and US fragrance companies over allegations they colluded to fix prices and thwart competitors, the country’s competition regulator said Wednesday.

The Swiss Competition Commission said dawn raids took place “at various locations” in consultation with EU, US and British antitrust authorities.

The commission said Swiss firms Firmenich International and Givaudan, US peer International Flavors & Fragrances and Germany’s Symrise were being investigated over suspicions of violating cartel laws.