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[December 2009]
CRH Posts Response to Anti-Competition Findings in Poland
Dublin, Ireland based CRH plc says it has received notification from the Polish Office for Competition and Consumer Protection (OCCP) that, arising from an investigation conducted by it since mid 2006 into the Polish cement industry, it has concluded that seven companies including CRH subsidiary Grupa Ożarów SA, Lafarge Cement SA, Górażdże Cement SA, Cemex Polska SA, Dyckerhoff Polska Sp. z o.o., Cementownia Warta SA and Cementownia Odra SA were involved in anti-competitive practices. As a result the OCCP has levied fines. In the case of CRH subsidiary Grupa Ożarów the fine amounts to PLN 104.97 million or approximately €25.6 million.
CRH said: “The conclusions of the OCCP are a matter of serious concern for CRH. CRH always understood that Grupa Ożarów conducted an independent commercial policy in the Polish cement industry. This has been verified by analysis undertaken, at the request of CRH, by leading Polish economic experts. Following a preliminary review of the OCCP conclusions, CRH and Grupa Ożarów have been advised that there are significant grounds for appeal.
“CRH's Code of Business Conduct sets clear standards for the conduct of its operations in the various territories in which the Group operates and expressly prohibits any anti-competitive behaviour.
“At this stage CRH does not consider it appropriate to comment in more detail pending its decision to appeal the conclusions of the OCCP. An appeal to the Polish courts must be lodged by 23rd December 2009.”
ENDS