Arla is demanding 58 million euros plus interests in damages from Valio for distorting the Finnish milk market in a claim submitted to the District Court of Helsinki on Thursday.
Valio has refrained from commenting on the demands of its rival.
In June, the Market Court imposed a fine of 70 million euros on Valio for undercutting its prices and abusing its dominant position in the fresh milk market in 2010—2012. According to Arla, Valio sought deliberately to drive other dairy companies out of the fresh milk market by selling its milk at a loss.
In its ruling, the Market Court concurred with Arla that Valio had sought to drive its main rival out of the market.
Valio has appealed the ruling to the Supreme Administrative Court.
Reijo Kiskola, the managing director at Arla, says that the claim for compensation is an attempt to prevent the statute of limitations from expiring. It is likely that the District Court of Helsinki will not consider the claim until the Supreme Administrative Court has delivered its ruling.
Jyrki Iivonen – HS
Aleksi Teivainen – HT
© HELSINGIN SANOMAT
Photo: Martti Kainulainen / Lehtikuva
