Zanders Feinpapiere says the 18m (E30m) fine that it received for being part of a pan-European carbonless paper cartel is "inappropriately high", and will decide over the next two months whether it will appeal against the decision (PrintWeek, 4 January 2002).

Zanders, now part of the M-real group, was among a European cartel of 10 firms that were handed fines totalling 196m by the European Commission (EC). It concluded they had put into effect an illegal plan aimed at improving profitability through collective price increases between 1992 and 1995.

A spokeswoman for Arjo Wiggins, which was handed a 115m fine and was considered to be the main instigator, said the matter was being handled by its main shareholder, Worms & Cie, which is currently considering whether or not to appeal.

Keith Lewis, managing director of Carrs Paper, which received a fine of just under 1m, said it was "a bit too premature to comment", but admitted that the firm was in talks with its lawyers.

A spokesman for Sappi, which was granted immunity after co-operating with the EC, said: "The investigation related to infringements prior to September 1995 that were terminated immediately they came to the attention of the senior groups management.

"None of the individuals involved in the practices are still employed by the company."

Story by Andy Scott