Investigation and a pending class action lawsuit on behalf of direct purchasers of fasteners, alleging that defendants engaged in a conspiracy to fix prices and allocate customers and markets for fasteners.
Fasteners include zippers, snaps, hooks and eyes, rivets and other fastening devices used in apparel, garments, and footwear. Leading fasteners manufacturers William Prym GmbH & Co. KG, YKK Corporation, Coats plc, and Scovill Fasteners, Inc. have been named as defendants. On September 19, 2007, the European Commission announced the results of a six year investigation into antitrust violations in the fasteners industry. The European Commission uncovered a long-running, multifaceted conspiracy to fix prices and allocate customers and markets worldwide.
Defendant Details
Name (Stock Symbol)
Brief Description
William Prym GmbH & Co. KG
William Prym GmbH & Co. KG, known as the Prym Group, provides consumer products.
YKK Corporation
YKK Corporation through subsidiaries manufactures and sells clothing fasteners and zippers.
Coats plc
Coats plc manufactures and sells sewing thread and needlecraft products.
Scovill Fasteners, Inc.
Scovill Fasteners, Inc. manufactures fasteners for industrial and apparel use.