Pre-Cast Concrete Drainage products

On 23 October 2019, the CMA adopted a decision in which it found that FP McCann Ltd, Stanton Bonna Concrete Ltd and CPM Group Ltd participated in a cartel relating to the supply of pre-cast concrete drainage products from July 2006 to March 2013.  Pre-cast concrete drainage products are used in construction projects, including large infrastructure projects such as drainage and water management, roads and railways. 

The cartel

The CMA imposed fines totaling over £36 million, taking into account reductions as Stanton Bonna Concrete Ltd and CPM Group Ltd admitted their involvement in the cartel and agreed to settle the case. The CMA found that the three companies agreed to fix or coordinate prices, shared the market by allocating customers and regularly exchanged competitively sensitive information. The Competition Appeal Tribunal recently upheld the CMA’s decision against FP McCann Ltd, who sought to appeal the findings and overturn its fine of £25 million.

Potential claims

Under English law, any person or business that purchased pre-cast concrete drainage products may be entitled to claim compensation for any losses suffered, even if the purchase was made from a supplier other than those listed above. Hausfeld is investigating potential claims relating to this cartel.