The European Commission has confirmed that it has carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several power transformer producers in France, Germany and Austria. Power transformers are key components in electricity transmission and distribution networks. The Commission states that it has reason to believe that the companies concerned may have engaged in unlawful cartel activities in violation of Article 81 EC. Although the Commission did not disclose the names of the targeted firms, Siemens AG and the ABB Group have revealed that they are among the companies involved in the probe. The Commission will now examine the documents collected during the dawn raids. It may take months or even years before the Commission decides whether or not to open formal proceedings in the case.