Sources inform ''Globes'' that Shufersal Ltd. (TASE:SAE;Pink Sheets:SSLTF) CEO Effie Rosenhause will probably be indicted for pulling certain products off the supermarkets' shelves as part of its battle with rival Blue Square Israel Ltd. (NYSE: BSI; TASE: BSI).
The Antitrust Authority investigation into the case is still underway. Suppliers were mainly questioned about Rosenhause's alleged involvement in the affair, and they apparently delivered the goods. The suppliers testimony has strengthened the likelihood that Rosenhause will be indicted.
Antitrust Authority investigators raided Shufersal's headquarters in Rishon LeZion and questioned Rosenhause under caution.
Late last year, Shufersal removed from its shelves a number of food products, including Red Mug instant coffee, marketed by Nestle (SWX:NESN) subsidiary Osem Investments Ltd. (TASE: OSEM, Wissotzky Ltd.'s Ice Tea, Prigat Ltd. juices and Neviot - Nature of Galilee Ltd. (TASE: NVIO) mineral water, marketed by Central Bottling Company Ltd. (Coca-Cola Israel).
The sources added that, last month, Antitrust Authority investigators raided the offices of Hadar Ltd. in Nazareth and the offices of Rokachman Ltd. in Ramle, and questioned executives of both companies.
The Antitrust Authority was not available for comment. Shufersal said in response that it had no information on the case.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on May 26, 2009
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