Published in News

Canon faces EU fine

by on07 July 2017


Should not have bought Toshiba’s medical unit

EU regulators said they might fine Canon up to 10 percent of annual revenue for jumping the gun in its acquisition of Toshiba's Medical unit.

 

The EU Commission said Canon breached rules by using a so-called "warehousing" two-step transaction structure involving an interim buyer to buy the company prior to obtaining relevant approvals.

Ten percent of Canon's annual revenue would be roughly equivalent to $2.9 billion.

The $6 billion deal, completed late last year, raised eyebrows at the time due to the unorthodox method which allowed Toshiba, which was struggling for cash after an accounting scandal, to book proceeds in time for the financial year-end in March.

Rival bidder Fujifilm slammed the deal as a "mockery of the law".

Canon said in a statement that it would respond appropriately, but declined further comment before regulators make their final decision.

Last month, EU antitrust regulators hit Google with a record 2.4 billion euro fine for favouring its own shopping service, so it is proving a lucrative month.

Last modified on 07 July 2017
Rate this item
(0 votes)

Read more about: