Spain: Regulator probes bid rigging in railroad equipment

Competition super-agency CNMC has announced a probe into possible uncompetitive practices in the manufacture, installation, supply, maintenance and improvement of electro-mechanical and electronic railroad equipment, over suspected agreements to manipulate and determine the results of contract bids.

The CNMC carried out dawn raids on the 11th, 12th and 13th of July on the headquarters of several companies active in this sector. The raids were widened on the 18th, 19th and 20th of January 2017, with further surprise visits at the headquarters of other market agents.

Investigations involving cartels are one of the CNMC’s priorities, particularly due to the severe consequences these conducts may have on consumers and the correct working of the market. The CNMC has recently adopted various tools to aid it in this effort, including a new leniency program. The CNMC has also launched a campaign to improve the overall procedures for assigning contracts and persecuting irregularities and violations during the bidding process.

Full Content: CNMC

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