Italian producers to appeal watchdog decision

Buzzi Unicem, Italcementi and Cementir have been fined by the Italian Competition Authority following a probe launched in November 2015 into the existence of alleged anti-competitive practices in the domestic market.

The authority's decision states that Buzzi Unicem participated in an agreement concerning the alleged co-ordination of manufacturers regarding simultaneous price increases as well as an exchange of information within the industry association AITEC and, in general, the adoption of a conduct aimed at maintaining the stability of market shares.

This infringements relate to the period 1 June 2011 to 1 January 2016. Consequently, the authority has imposed Buzzi Unicem a fine of EUR59.793m.

Italcementi, now part of the HeidelbergCement group, has also been fined EUR84m for alleged infringements over the same time frame.

Both companies intend to challenge the decision, believing the findings to be unfounded both in fact and in law.

Cementir Italia has been fined EUR5.09m and said it "reserves the right to challenge the decision in the competent courts."