The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has revealed it is investigating suspected anti-competitive arrangements in the supply of construction services in the UK
The CMA is investigating possible anti-competitive arrangements in the supply of construction services which may infringe Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998.
Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998 prohibits agreements, decisions and concerted practices between or among undertakings or associations of undertakings which have as their object or effect the restriction, distortion or prevention of competition within the UK and which affect trade within the UK, according to Thomson Reuters Practical Law.
The anti-competitive investigation is at an early stage and the CMA said “no assumption should be made that the CA98 has been infringed”.
The CMA says it has “not reached a view as to whether there is sufficient evidence of an infringement of competition law for it to issue a statement of objections to any of the parties under investigation. Not all cases result in the CMA issuing a statement of objections.”
Firms discovered to have breached Chapter 1 can be fined up to 10% of worldwide turnover, while individuals can be disqualified from serving as a director for up to 15 years.
Not all cases result in the CMA issuing a statement of objections. It is expected to make a decision on whether to proceed with the investigation or close it by September 2019.
