The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it is to investigate suspected anti-competitive conduct in the supply of chemicals for use in the construction industry.
In its announcement, the CMA says it “has reason to suspect” anti-competitive behaviour has taken place involving a number of suppliers of these chemicals, and some industry bodies.
“This conduct relates to the supply of chemical admixtures and additives, which are an essential input for products like concrete, mortars and cement used in the construction industry,” the competition watchdog adds.
According to the the CMA it is “working closely” with the European Commission, which has also launched an investigations into suspected anti-competitive behaviour in the sector.
Furthermore, it says it is also “in contact with other authorities”, including the United States Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.
Following a period of investigation and information gathering, the CMA says it may issue a statement of objections if it comes to the “provisional view” that competition law has been infringed.
However, the watchdog went on to say that not all cases proceed to a statement of objections, adding that at this stage “no assumptions should be made about whether competition law has been broken”.
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