Rolled Lead
On 4 November 2020, the CMA adopted a decision in which it found that Associated Lead Mills Ltd (ALM) and BLM British Lead (BLM) – two of the largest rolled lead suppliers in the UK – participated in an unlawful cartel relating to the supply of rolled lead from October 2015 to April 2017. Rolled lead is a product widely used in the UK construction industry, mainly for roofing.
The Cartel
The CMA imposed fines totalling over £9 million, taking into account reductions as both companies admitted their involvement in the cartel and agreed to settle the case. The CMA found that the two companies colluded on prices, shared the rolled lead market by arranging not to target certain customers, arranged not to supply a new business and exchanged commercially sensitive information.
Potential claims
Under English law, any person or business that purchased rolled lead may be entitled to claim compensation for any losses suffered, even if the purchase was made from a supplier other than ALM and BLM.
Hausfeld is investigating potential claims relating to this cartel.