Harrisburg - The largest US candymakers can appeal a federal judge's decision sustaining a civil lawsuit that accuses them of fixing prices.
US District Judge Christopher C Conner issued a memorandum on Wednesday allowing The Hershey Co, Mars and others to appeal his decision. Last month, Conner denied the companies' requests to dismiss the case.
The manufacturers control 75% of the US market. They are being sued by buyers who accuse them of fixing prices between 2002 and 2007.
The defendants say they never conspired to fix prices.
US, Canadian and European authorities have launched investigations into similar claims.
- AP