Competition Authority in France fined 361.3 million euros all major global detergent because they understood each other in fixing prices of detergents on the French market. The cartel operated between 1997-2004. Companies that have made ​​agreements were Procter & Gamble, Colgate Palmolive, Henkel and Unilever.

"The deal covered all major brands of detergents sold in France. All types of detergents have been understanding: powder, liquid, or tablets, "said French institution.

During the period studied, the authorities discovered that company officials met several times a year to determine the price and even promotions for retailers.

Company punished the hardest is the U.S. group Procter & Gamble, which must pay a fine of 233.6 million euros. Colgate Palmolive was fined 35.4 million euros and said it would appeal. Unilever fine was forgiven, because, in 2008, denounced the cartel and cooperated with French authorities.