Bern, February 17, 2026 — The Swiss Competition Commission (WEKO) has expanded its investigation into suspected bid-rigging arrangements in the civil engineering and building construction sectors in the canton of Jura.
The probe was initially opened in November 2025 against six companies over possible unlawful coordination in public tenders. Based on evidence gathered so far, WEKO has now extended the proceedings to a total of 20 companies.
The authority suspects that the companies coordinated bids and prices over several years in tenders issued by public authorities and private clients. More than 150 procurement procedures in civil engineering and building construction between 2016 and 2025 could be affected.
WEKO is examining whether the conduct amounts to unlawful restrictions of competition under Swiss cartel law. Such investigations typically last around three years.
Bid-rigging arrangements occur when companies agree among themselves on the prices they will submit or decide in advance which company will win a contract. WEKO said such practices raise prices, reduce efficiency, and hinder innovation, ultimately harming the economy and public finances.
The investigation concerns the following companies: André Chaignat et Fils SA; Bieri et Grisoni S.A.; Comte Construction SA and Germain Comte S.A.; Fernand Perrin S.A. and Perrin Holding Sàrl; Marti Arc Jura SA and Marti Holding AG; PMB Construction SA and PMB Holding SA; Louis Vernier SA; Baume Constructions SA; Entreprise Lovis SA; F. Hänzi S.A.; FMGC SA; Francis Beuchat Sàrl and Benjamin Chaignat Holding Sàrl; G. Cuenat S.A.; GCB S.A.; Georges Chételat SA; Guy Choulat S.A.; Laurent Membrez SA (Delémont branch); Les Fils de Marc Joliat S.A.; Mendez Constructions Sàrl; and René Seuret S.A.
All companies benefit from the presumption of innocence.
Source: https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/8dtET5Bp1nTDRKr01N–E
