Rome, October 13, 2025 – The Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) has expanded its investigation into alleged collusion among nine copper cable manufacturers and their trade association, finding evidence that coordination on pricing and commercial conditions may date back to 1999 — six years earlier than initially suspected.
In December 2024, the agency opened an investigation into Bruno Baldassari & F.lli, General Cavi, ICEL, IRCE, La Triveneta Cavi, Mondini Cavi, Pecso Cavi, Prysmian Cavi e Sistemi Italia, and ANIE AICE, the Italian association representing cable and conductor producers.
The authority’s inspection found indications that the companies not only coordinated price lists and first-tier discounts, but also subsequent discounts, pricing updates linked to copper value, list validity periods, and customer-specific commercial conditions.
AGCM said the evidence suggests a long-running concerted practice designed to maintain a unified pricing structure and reduce competition in the low-voltage copper cable market. The companies now have 30 days to present their defence and request a hearing before the authority’s Cartels, Leniency, and Whistleblowing Directorate.
Source: https://www.agcm.it/dotcmsdoc/bollettini/2025/40-25.pdf
