Bernstein Liebhard LLP, a New York law firm nationally recognized for its antitrust practice announced that it is investigating a number of compressor companies, including Whirlpool Corporation, Tecumseh Products Company, Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A., and Danfoss A/S, for violations of United States Antitrust law.
The compressor is a major part of many home and commercial appliances. It acts essentially as the engine of a cooling system. When running, it compresses a low pressure gas, often called a refrigerant, into a high pressure gas. Gas heats up as it is compressed and cools the air around it as it loses heat. Compressors are a basic part of many cooling systems, such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and water fountains.
According to news sources, law enforcement officials conducted raids in South America and Europe and investigated the business practices of the following companies in the United States and abroad: Whirlpool Corporation; Empresa Brasileira de Compressores S.A.- Embraco; Danfoss A/S; Danfoss North America Refrigeration & Air Conditioning; Tecumseh Products Company; and, Tecumseh do Brasil Ltda. Bernstein Liebhard’s investigation focuses on an alleged conspiracy by these major manufacturers of compressors to fix prices thereby harming direct purchasers of compressors.
Bernstein Liebhard believes that the conspiracy involved an agreement and understanding among the compressor companies in which they shared customers and/or raised, fixed, maintained, and/or stabilized prices for compressors.
For more information about Bernstein Liebhard’s compressor investigation, visit Consumer Injury Lawyers, a consumer advocacy website and informational portal.
