A law firm representing Philips and Ericsson says Air France-KLM faces a claim for up to 500 million euros. The companies are seeking compensation through litigation firm Claims Funding International (CFI) for alleged cargo price fixing.

The law firm said the damage claim currently stands at 400 million euros but added that this could exceed 500 million euros by the time the case goes to court as interest for harm suffered since 2000 could be taken into account.

Sweden’s Ericsson firm has declined to provide any details but did say that it is one of the main claimants in the legal action. Philips Electronics is another lead claimant but the Dutch firm also declined to comment. CFI is paying the legal costs and will get a cut of commission if the case is successful.

The case will mean a record damages claim against Air France, and CFI is expecting to serve the writ today. The airline has declined to comment but earlier this year agreed to pay $87 million to settle a civil case in the US after a Justice Department investigation.

Peter Koutsoukis, the managing director of CFI, said it is unfair that the firm would pay more to the US victims that those from Europe. He added that the firm decided to take Air France to court as they had failed to respond to a request for negotiations.

Air France, along with a number of other airlines, is accused of involvement in an air freight cartel between 2000 and 2007. The European Commission is also investigating the claims.

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Philips