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Class action

Option consommateurs filed a class action against MinebeaMitsumi Inc. (formerly Minebea Co. Ltd.), NSK Ltd. and NSK Canada Inc. in which it alleges that these companies conspired to fix the prices of small ball bearings (“Bearings”), causing purchasers to overpay for them and for products containing them.  Bearings are used in communication devices, household appliances, video cameras, personal computers, printers, air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, fishing reels and power tools, among other things.

The purpose of the class action is to obtain reimbursement of the portion overpaid for the purchase of Bearings or products containing them for the benefit of class members.

Who is a member of this class action?

You are a member of the class action if you purchased, in Québec, one or more ball bearings with an outside diameter of 26 millimeters or less or one or more products equipped with one or more ball bearings with an outside diameter of 26 millimeters or less between June 1, 2003 and October 31, 2011.

What is the status of this class action?

On October 6, 2017, Option consommateurs filed an Originating application to institute proceedings in the Superior Court of Québec. 

A settlement agreement concluded between Option consommateurs and MinebeaMitsumi Inc. has been approved by the Court on February 11, 2019. 

A settlement agreement concluded between Option consommateurs and NSK Ltd. and NSK Canada Inc. has been reached on December 17, 2020 and has been approved by the Court on May 18, 2022.

How can I stay informed of the upcoming steps in the case?

If you are a member of the class action, we invite you to register to our mailing list. This way, we can communicate with you as soon as important developments occur in the file.

For more information, you can also contact Belleau Lapointe directly.


Pleadings and judgments


Chronology

February 2015

Filing of the Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action.

November 2015

Amendment to the Application for Authorization to Institute a Class Action.

August 2016

Judgment Authorizing the Institution of the Class Action.

March 2018

Settlement Agreement reached between Option consommateurs and the Defendant Minebeamitsumi Inc.

February 11, 2019

Judgment approving the Settlement Agreement with Minebeamitsumi Inc.

December 17, 2020

Settlement Agreement reached between Option consommateurs and the Defendants NSK Ltd. and NSK Canada Inc.

May 18, 2022

Judgment Approving the Settlement Agreement between Option consommateurs and the Defendants NSK Ltd. and NSK Canada Inc.