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Fine imposed on cartel of manufacturers of concrete garages

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has imposed a fine on a cartel of manufacturers of prefabricated concrete garages.

Fine for cartel agreement

On June 1, 2015, ACM imposed a fine on a cartel of manufacturers of prefabricated concrete garages. The two largest manufacturers of such garages, Rekers Betonwerk and Juwel Betonbauteile, had concluded anticompetitive agreements in order to eliminate mutual competition. They shared customers, and they had concluded price-fixing agreements. Furthermore, they prevented other competitors in this market from becoming more active. All of these actions have likely led to higher prices for their customers. ACM considers this a very serious violation of the Dutch Competition Act.

Leniency and fine

Since Rekers had notified ACM of this cartel, and fully cooperated with the subsequent investigation, Rekers will not be fined. If Rekers had not done so, it would have been imposed a fine of at least EUR 3 million. The other member of the cartel, Juwel, will be imposed a fine of EUR 306,500. The level of the fine is based on the company’s turnover. The fine has been imposed for illegal activities on the Dutch market.

ACM is now able to publish the decision. This had not been possible before due to legal proceedings.

Objection filed by Juwel

Juwel filed an objection against the fining decision. On February 17, 2016, ACM disallowed the objection. Juwel has now filed an appeal against the decision.

 

Documents

See also