The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided (23 January) to close its investigation into suspected anti-competitive conduct regarding the supply of chemical admixtures and additives for use in concrete, cement, mortars, and related construction products in the UK.
The investigation, which was initiated on 17 October 2023, was discontinued on the grounds that it no longer meets the CMA’s administrative priorities.
The CMA had launched the investigation under Chapter I of the Competition Act 1998, following reasonable grounds to suspect that certain suppliers and industry bodies may have engaged in anti-competitive behavior. However, after gathering evidence and evaluating the case, the CMA determined that it should discontinue the investigation due to its current priorities and resource allocation.
In making this decision, the CMA applied its Prioritisation Principles, which guide how the agency allocates its resources to cases with the greatest potential impact. These principles consider factors such as the strategic significance of the case, the likelihood of achieving positive outcomes, and the resources required to pursue the investigation.
The closure does not imply any findings of anti-competitive behavior or suggest that the parties involved have violated competition law. The CMA has also indicated that, while the investigation is closed for now, it could reopen the case if new evidence arises or its priorities shift in the future.
The decision to close the investigation reflects the CMA’s ongoing commitment to focusing its efforts on cases that will have the most significant benefits for consumers and deter anti-competitive practices effectively.
