Germany's competition watchdog has imposed fines totalling €338 million on 21 sausage manufacturers for colluding on prices.

The Federal Cartel Office said the fines also included penalties against 33 individuals. The companies punished included Nestle subsidiary Herta, as well as Meica, Boeklunder and Wiesenhof.

The cartel office said major sausage-makers started colluding in 2003 to push through higher prices, agreeing on price ranges for various products. It said it was tipped off by an anonymous informant.

Eleven companies decided to co-operate with authorities and admit wrongdoing.

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