Madrid, April 2, 2025 — Spain’s competition authority, the CNMC, has launched an investigation into possible collusion among companies in the civil engineering and construction sector in Cantabria.
From March 25 to 27, inspectors from the National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) carried out unannounced raids at the headquarters of several firms suspected of sharing public contracts. These contracts were allegedly awarded by national, regional, and local authorities.
The inspections are part of a preliminary inquiry and do not imply guilt or a definitive decision to pursue formal charges. However, the CNMC warned that market-sharing agreements could amount to very serious violations of Spain’s competition law, potentially resulting in fines of up to 10% of a company’s annual turnover.
The watchdog emphasized that cracking down on cartels remains a top priority due to their significant impact on consumers and market efficiency.
Companies that cooperate with investigators through the CNMC’s leniency program may be eligible for reduced penalties or full immunity, and could avoid being barred from public procurement contracts.
The CNMC also encourages whistleblowers to report anti-competitive conduct through its anonymous online platform, SICA.
Source: https://www.cnmc.es/prensa/inspecciones-licitaciones-cantabria-20250402
