Drinks group C&C has settled a price-fixing case brought against it by the Competition Authority in 1999. The authority said yesterday that it has agreed settlement terms with C&C (Wholesale) Ltd and another drinks group, M&J Gleeson and Co.

C&C was one of six companies the authority claimed had engaged in price fixing of packaged beer and soft drinks. Three other companies, Connaught Mineral Water Co, Deasy & Co, United Beverage Sales Ltd settled in July 2005. Proceedings continue against the sixth company Nash Beverages Ltd.

C&C did not admit to price fixing as part of the settlement, but has undertaken not to enter into agreements with other suppliers on the terms and conditions under which they sell beer and soft drinks to retail outlets including pubs and off-licences.

The group has also undertaken not to breach section 4 of the Competition Act, which deals with price fixing. In addition C&C is to provide the authority with information on compliance with section 4 for the next three years.

Ted Henneberry, the director of the Competition Authority's Cartels Division said: "We are pleased that the proceedings against six defendants in the case have come to a successful conclusion for the Competition Authority. Following an extensive investigation I believe that these settlements set the standard for future conduct in the wholesale market for packaged beer and soft drinks."