The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has formally addressed a statement of objections to Raffinerie Tirlemontoise NV and its parent company Südzucker AG. This action relates to allegations of abuse of economic dependence under Article IV.2/1 of the Code of Economic Law.

The BCA's investigation focuses on the claim that Raffinerie Tirlemontoise has imposed unfair trading conditions on sugar beet growers, creating uncertainty regarding their expected revenues. This situation reportedly limits the growers' autonomy in managing their agricultural and commercial activities, while also shifting a disproportionate share of commercial risks onto them.

The statement of objections asserts that the sugar beet growers are economically dependent on Raffinerie Tirlemontoise, and that the practices in question are abusive, distorting competition in the sugar procurement market. It is important to note that the issuance of this statement does not determine the outcome of the ongoing proceedings.

Raffinerie Tirlemontoise and Südzucker now have the opportunity to defend themselves and access the investigation file to prepare their response to the allegations.