French Competition Authority Fines Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône €800,000 for Anti-Competitive Practices
Paris, November 29, 2024 – The French Competition Authority has imposed a fine of €800,000 on the company Autoroutes Paris-Rhin-Rhône (APRR) for engaging in anti-competitive practices related to the bidding process for motorway concessions.
Background
APRR is a major operator of toll motorways in France. In 2020, the French government launched a bidding process to award concessions for the operation of several motorway networks.
Allegations
The Competition Authority investigated allegations that APRR had engaged in anti-competitive practices during the bidding process. These practices allegedly included:
- Colluding with other companies to form a cartel and coordinate their bids
- Exchanging sensitive information with competitors, such as cost estimates and strategies
- Engaging in bid rigging to ensure that specific companies won certain contracts
Findings
After an extensive investigation, the Competition Authority found that APRR had indeed violated French competition law by engaging in these anti-competitive practices. The Authority concluded that APRR’s conduct had:
- Restricted competition in the bidding process
- Harmed the interests of the French government and taxpayers
- Undermined the integrity of the motorway concession system
Fine
Based on these findings, the Competition Authority imposed a fine of €800,000 on APRR. The Authority considered several factors in determining the amount of the fine, including the severity of the violations, the duration of the practices, and the size of APRR’s revenues.
Consequences
The fine imposed on APRR is a significant penalty for the company. It is likely to damage APRR’s reputation and may lead to other consequences, such as:
- Loss of public trust
- Exclusion from future government contracts
- Civil lawsuits from affected parties
Government Response
The French government has welcomed the Competition Authority’s decision and vowed to continue fighting against anti-competitive practices. The government has also emphasized the importance of ensuring fair and transparent competition in public procurement processes.
Conclusion
The Competition Authority’s fine against APRR serves as a reminder that anti-competitive practices are unacceptable in France. The Authority will continue to investigate and prosecute companies that engage in such practices, protecting competition and the interests of consumers and businesses.
Amende de 800 000 € prononcée à l’encontre de la société DES AUTOROUTES PARIS RHIN RHONE
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