The Autorité de la concurrence fined the Loste group for obstructing dawn raids conducted in November 2023 by providing inaccurate information, hindering the investigation.

The obstruction occurred during the preliminary phase of the dawn raids, with the head of the Loste group and its Legal Director providing incomplete information to the Autorité's case officers.

The fine of €900,000 is imposed jointly and severally on Loste, CA Conseils et Services, and their parent company, CA Animation, for their obstructive conduct.

The dawn raids were part of an investigation into the salted charcuterie sector, where the Loste group and the French Federation of Charcuterie Meat Producers were targeted.

The Autorité found that the Legal Director and the head of the Loste group provided knowingly inaccurate information during the raids, potentially risking evidence tampering and compromising the investigation.

The Autorité emphasized the importance of full cooperation during dawn raids to ensure the effectiveness of its investigative powers and stressed the seriousness of obstruction in hindering efforts to combat anticompetitive practices.

The fine amount took into account the severity of the obstruction offense and the involvement of key personnel within the Loste group, including the head of the Group and its long-serving Legal Director.

The decision to fine the Loste group does not determine its culpability in the alleged anticompetitive practices that triggered the dawn raids, as further investigation is required to establish liability.