Lactalis McLelland has admitted its involvement in the dairy price-fixing scandal and will pay a fine.

The Scottish cheese producer conceded that A McLelland and Son had been involved in alleged anti-competitive practice related to retail cheese prices in 2002 and 2003, prior to its acquisition by Groupe Lactalis in September 2004.

Lactalis is expected to receive a reduced fine by co-operating, though the amount will not be decided until the inquiry ends.

"The Lactalis Group had no knowledge of these exchanges either at the time of acquisition or during purchase negotiations," said a Lactalis statement.

Topics