Italy’s antitrust authority has fined Bristol-Myers Squibb $3.2 million for illegal collusion with competitors in the colostomy bag market (competitors Coloplast SpA, Hollister SpA, and B Braun Milano SpA were also fined lesser amounts for similar anti-competitive behaviour).

At issue is that the four companies (which control 95% of the colostomy bag market in the country), illegally agreed to divide the country into territories where they would not compete against each other.

Commentary: In looking at the statements coming out of the Italian government, it is not clear why BMS got the biggest fine… were they the ringleader? Or simply the one that benefited most? Either way, looks like BMS could use some compliance training for their European subsidiaries.