On Tuesday 17 October, the European Commission announced that it had carried out unannounced inspections on the premises of companies active in the construction chemical additives sector, i.e. products used to modify and improve the performance of cement, concrete and mortar.
The Commission suspects the companies concerned of having engaged in cartels and restrictive business practices prohibited by Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU.
Inspections took place in several Member States.
The Commission officials who carried out the inspections were accompanied by their counterparts from the national competition authorities of the Member States concerned.
The Commission also announced that it had carried out these inspections in coordination with the UK Competition and Markets Authority and the Turkish Competition Authority. The proceedings also involved contacts between the Commission and the Antitrust Division of the US Department of Justice.
Such inspections are a preliminary step in the investigation of alleged anti-competitive practices. Inspections in no way prejudge the outcome of the investigation, and companies retain the right to be heard by the Commission. (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)