Holcim and Febelcem contest competition ruling

Holcim and Belgian cement association Febelcem are appealing against the judgement by the country’s Anti-Competition Council.

Last August, Belgium’s anti-competition authorities fined three companies – CBR, CCB and Holcim – and two associations (Febelcem and CRIC/OCCN) for a total of EUR14.7m. According to the council, the five organisations had colluded between May 2000 and October 2003 to avoid the use of slag in the production of ready-mix concrete.

Febelcem director André Jasienski said his organisation was appealing while Holcim’s Jean Kerkhove said: “We are appealing as we are beyond reproach.”

While no news was received from the remaining three organisations regarding their position, Febelcem and Holcim said it was likely they would also appeal.

The timing of the appeal judgement is as yet undisclosed.