The Competition and Markets Authority has dropped an investigation into suspected conduct relating to the supply of chemical admixtures and additives for use in concrete, cement and related construction products in the UK.
The competition watchdog’s statement said that it closed the probe “on the grounds that [it] no longer constitutes an administrative priority”.
It added that the decision does not mean that any of the parties being investigated have infringed competition law.
However, the CMA could reopen the investigation if its priorities change, or if it receives new evidence that changes its prioritisation assessment.
The CMA began the investigation into unnamed parties in October 2023. It was working closely with the European Commission, which had also launched a similar probe, and the US Department of Justice, Antitrust Division.
The CMA said: “In taking this decision, the CMA carefully assessed the evidence obtained and had regard to its Prioritisation Principles and to the CMA’s other current priorities in its overall portfolio of work.
“In accordance with its Prioritisation Principles, the CMA considered several factors, including whether the CMA is best placed to act (that is, whether there is an appropriate alternative to CMA action), the strategic significance of the investigation, its likely impact in terms of delivering benefits to consumers and deterring anti-competitive conduct, the likelihood of it achieving the desired impact, and the required resources.”
