On 10 June, the German Competition Authority BKartA, imposed fines of 115M Euros on 5 manufacturers of ophthalmic lenses in Germany, 7 employees and the Central Association of Optometrists (ZVA), for their participation in cartel agreements. The fines have been imposed on: Hoya Lens Deutschland GmbH (Muhlheim) (Hoya Lens); Essilor GmbH (Freiburg); Rodenstock GmbH (Munich) (Rodenstock); Rupp+Hubrach Optik GmbH (Bamberg); and Carl Zeiss Vision GmbH (Aalen) (Carl Zeiss). The BKartA investigation began with dawn raids in mid-2008, based on BKartA's own suspicion. However, the fine on Rodenstock was heavily reduced after it subsequently cooperated with BKartA in the investigation. Hoya Lens, Carl Zeiss and the ZVA also subsequently cooperated with BKartA and consequently received a reduction in their respective fines.
