Cathode Ray Tubes ("CRT")
Background
This class action alleges that the defendants unlawfully conspired to fix, increase, and/or maintain prices at which Cathode Ray Tube Products (“CRT Products”) were sold in Canada.
The plaintiff alleges that from at least January 1, 1998 to November 21, 2007, the defendants and their senior executives participated in illegal and secretive meetings and made agreements relating to price targets, specific price increases, market share divisions and production capacity for CRT Products.
CRTs can be divided into two main categories: CDTs (colour display tubes) and CPTs (colour picture tubes). CDTs are used in computer monitors and other similar devices. CPTs are used mainly in televisions.
Until the last few years, CRT was the dominant technology used in display devices, including televisions, computer monitors, radar equipment, electronic medical equipment, and automated teller machines.
Court Approval of Class Action Settlement
A settlement has been reached with the Defendants Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd. and Chunghwa Picture Tubes (Malaysia) SDN. BDH. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, Chunghwa has paid Cdn $2,000,000 for the benefit of Class Members. Chunghwa is also obligated to cooperate with the plaintiff in the continued prosecution of the litigation. The settlement has been approved by the Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec courts.
Options Available to Settlement Class Members
a. Filing a Claim
Further notices will be published and posted online advising Settlement Class Members of the process for filing a claim under the settlement
b. Opting Out
You will be bound by the terms of the Settlement Agreement unless you “opt-out” of the CRT Proceedings. If you opt-out of the CRT Proceedings, you will not be able to participate in the Chunghwa Settlement Agreement, and you will not be able to participate in any further settlements with, or judgments against, other Defendants in the CRT Proceedings.
If you do not opt-out, you will not be able to bring or maintain any other claim or legal proceeding in respect of any allegations asserted in the CRT Proceedings, including allegations relating to violations of the Competition Act. No further right to opt out of the CRT Proceedings will be provided.
To opt-out, you must submit a written request to be excluded from the CRT Proceedings. Your written request must include the following information:
(a) name, address, and telephone number;
(b) the dollar amount and the date of your CRT Product purchases; and
(c) a request to be excluded from the CRT Proceedings.
Written requests to opt-out must be sent to the following address, postmarked no later than May 20, 2011:
Siskinds LLP
Attn: Charles Wright
680 Waterloo Street
London, ON N6A 3V8
Quebec Class Members must also send the written request to opt-out to:
Clerk of the Superior Court of Quebec
300, Boulevard Jean Lesage, Room 1.24
Quebec, QC G1K 8K6
Court File No. 200-06-000114-093
Class Counsel
The law firm of Siskinds LLP and Sutts Strosberg LLP represent Settlement Class Members in Ontario, and in provinces other than British Columbia or Quebec, as well as corporations of more than 50 employees in Quebec. Siskinds LLP can be reached at:
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-461-6166 ext 2455
Email: charles.wright@siskinds.com
Mail: 680 Waterloo Street, London, ON N6A 3V8, Attention: Charles Wright
Sutts Strosberg LLP can be reached at:
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-229-5323 ext 8296
Email: hpeterson@strosbergco.com
Mail: 600-251 Goyeau Street, Windsor, ON N9A 6V4, Attention: Heather Rumble Peterson
The law firm of Camp Fiorante Matthews represents Settlement Class Members in British Columbia. British Columbia Class Counsel can be reached at:
Telephone: 604-689-7555
Email: smatthews@cfmlawyers.ca
Mail: 400-856 Homer Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 2W5, Attention: Sharon Matthews
The law firm of Siskinds Desmeules s.e.n.c.r.l. represents individuals and corporations of 50 or less employees who are Settlement Class Members in Quebec. Quebec Class Counsel can be reached at:
Telephone: 418-694-2009
Email: simon.hebert@siskindsdesmeules.com
Mail: Les promenades du Vieux-Quebec, 43 rue De Buade, bureau 320, Quebec City, QC G1R 4A2, Attention: Simon Hebert
For further information concerning this action, please contact Jennifer Bald at 1-800-461-6166 ext. 2455 or e-mail Jennifer by clicking on the Contact Us link below.