Sonae MC, owner of Modelo Continente, said Wednesday that the accusations of the Competition Authority (AdC), which again fined the supermarket chain, are “devoid of connection” with the “reality of the Portuguese market.”
The AdC fined the supermarket chains Auchan, Modelo Continente and Pingo Doce, as well as the joint supplier of alcoholic beverages Active Brands/Gestvinus, with 5.6 million euros for participating in a price-fixing scheme.
In a note sent to Lusa, the company’s official source “confirms that it became aware this Wednesday of the AdC’s decision to convict a supplier and several large food distribution groups present in Portugal, including Modelo Continente Hipermercados, SA ”.
“MC flatly rejects this condemnatory decision, manifestly erroneous and unfounded, and rejects the accusation of involvement of its subsidiary in any agreement or price arrangement, to the detriment of consumers, as well as the imposition of any fine”, it guarantees.
The company assures that “it will appeal this decision of the AdC before the Courts and will use all the means at its disposal to fully clarify the facts imputed to it, defend its reputation and affirm its values”.
“The accusations, which arise from investigations dating back to 2017, lack connection with the reality of the Portuguese market, being contradicted by the evidence of the facts, the highly competitive nature of the large distribution sector in Portugal and the value transferred. to the final consumer over the years, as has been recognized by all interest groups and by the AdC itself”, he underlined.
MC also highlights that “it always has the clear purpose of presenting its clients with the best offer of products and services, in terms of price and quality, and to this end, it competes with confidence, determination, absolute integrity and based on its own merits. ”, and added that it acts “in strict compliance with the law”.
Source: Observadora
