Watchdog raids offices of grocery retailers in price-fixing probe

The Competition Bureau says it has raided the offices of certain companies in a criminal investigation tied to alleged price fixing following statements released by some of the country's largest grocery chains.

The bureau said the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Ottawa granted search warrants based on evidence that there are reasonable grounds to believe that certain individuals and companies have engaged in activities contrary to the Competition Act.

Spokeswoman Marie-France Faucher said bureau officers are conducting searches and gathering evidence to determine the facts.

She said there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time and no charges have been laid, adding she could not reveal more details as the bureau is required to conduct investigations confidentially.

Loblaw Companies and George Weston confirmed they are aware of an industry-wide investigation by the Competition Bureau concerning a price-fixing scheme involving certain packaged bread products.

George Weston and Loblaw said in a joint statement they are co-operating fully but would not offer further comment.

Metro said the investigation concerns certain suppliers and Canadian retailers and that it fully co-operates with the authorities, but also declined further comment.

This story is still developing. Keep checking CanadianGrocer.com for updates...