The European Commission Looks Into Fragrance Ingredient Collusion; The Met Signs a Beauty Partner

Plus, Laura Ashley and Lucky team up for a collaboration.

Surprise Inspections: The European Commission said it has carried out unannounced inspections of the premises of companies and one association active in the fragrance industry in numerous member states. It is trying to find if there’s any collusion linked to the supply of fragrance and fragrance ingredients.

The commission, which did not release the names of those companies and associated that were inspected, added that at the same time the commission has sent out formal requests for information to several companies that are active in the same industry.

“The inspection and requests for information concern possible collusion in relation to supply of fragrances and fragrance ingredients,” the EC said in a statement. “Fragrances are used in the manufacturer of consumer products, such as household and personal care products.”

“The inspection and requests for information concern possible collusion in relation to supply of fragrances and fragrance ingredients,” the EC said in a statement. “Fragrances are used in the manufacturer of consumer products, such as household and personal care products.”

The commission said it has been in contact with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority and the Swiss Competition Commission related to this subject. The inspections took place in consultation with them.

“The commission officials were accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authorities of the member states where the inspections were carried out,” the EC said.

According to the commission, unannounced inspections are the first step into investigating anticompetitive practices. The commission underlined that such inspections being carried out doesn’t mean the companies are guilty and that they do not prejudge the investigation’s outcome.

There is not a legal deadline to complete questioning into anticompetitive conduct.

“Under the commission’s leniency program companies that have been involved in a secret cartel may be granted immunity from fines or significant reductions in fines in return for reporting the conduct and cooperating with the commission throughout its investigation,” the EC said.

Such reports, the commission said, can be done anonymously. — JENNIFER WEIL

Beauty at the Met: Korean skin care brand Sulwhasoo is looking to make its mark on New York.

As part of its plans to expand its footprint in the U.S., the brand, part of Amorepacific, South Korea’s largest beauty company which also owns Tata Harper, just announced a new partnership with The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The yearlong agreement will support a range of museum programs and activities aimed at innovating the ways in which audiences engage with and celebrate global heritage.

“This exciting partnership provides critical funding for the museum’s programming and events. We are extraordinarily grate.