SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER
Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the month of: May 2004
Commission File Number: 001-16429
ABB Ltd
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
N/A
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(Translation of registrant's name into English)
Switzerland
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(Jurisdiction of organization)
P.O. Box 8131, Affolternstrasse 44, CH-8050, Zurich, Switzerland
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(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, international: + 011-41-1-317-7111
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F X Form 40-F
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information
contained in this Form is also thereby furnishing the information to the
Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Yes No X
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If "Yes" is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in
connection with Rule 12g3-2(b): 82-________
This Form 6-K consists of the following:
1. Press release of ABB Ltd (the "Company"), dated May 13, 2004, announcing
that the European Commission has launched an investigation into suspected
anti-competitive practices of companies active in the high-voltage gas
insulated switchgear (GIS) business.
Press Release ABB [Graphic omitted]
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For your business and technology editors
European Commission investigates pricing activities in gas insulated
switchgear business
ABB premises not among those being investigated
Zurich, Switzerland, May 13, 2004 - ABB said today the European Commission has
launched an investigation into suspected anti-competitive practices of companies
active in the high-voltage gas insulated switchgear (GIS) business.
ABB said the European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition was
carrying out investigations at premises of companies involved in the GIS
business. ABB said it was cooperating fully with the investigation, and added
that none of its premises were being inspected.
The company said that during an internal compliance audit, it was discovered
that certain ABB employees - together with empl oyees of other companies active
in the GIS business - were involved in anti-competitive practices. ABB contacted
the authorities to expose these practices and is now supporting authorities to
help restore effective competition.
ABB is committed to fair and open competition in markets around the world, and
ABB companies and employees are not permitted under any circumstances to engage
in any anticompetitive practices.
ABB enforces zero tolerance of illegal or unethical behavior, and the company
said measures are taken against any employees involved in anti-competitive
practices.
"The company's customers, employees and other stakeholders have the right to
expect that ABB and its employees uphold and respect the highest standards of
business ethics," said Jurgen Dormann, ABB's chairman and chief executive
officer.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable
utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering their
environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100
countries and employs about 113,000 people.
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For more information please contact:
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Media Relations: Investor Relations:
ABB Corporate Communications, Zurich Switzerland: Tel. +41 43 317 3804
Wolfram Eberhardt, Thomas Schmidt Sweden: Tel. +46 21 325 719
Tel: +41 43 317 6512 USA: Tel. +1 203 750 7743
Fax: +41 43 317 7958 investor.relations@ch.abb.com
media.relations@ch.abb.com
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ABB LTD
Date: May 14, 2004 By: /s/ HANS ENHORNING
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Name: Hans Enhorning
Title: Group Vice President,
Assistant General Counsel
By: /s/ FRANCOIS CHAMPAGNE
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Name: Francois Champagne
Title: Group Vice President,
Senior Counsel