Germany's Federal Cartel Office Bundeskartellamt is investigating a suspected violation of antitrust laws in the steel industry, German media have reported on Monday, September 5.
The investigation concerns a possible cartel in relation to prices in the flat steel market. "There is suspicion of anticompetitive collusion between the companies," a spokesman for the cartel office explained, confirming reports by local media. "I can confirm that the cartel office has carried out searches regarding the issue of flat steel on August 22, 23 and 24 at seven companies as well as at three private homes, " the spokesman stated.
ArcelorMittal and Salzgitter confirmed that searches took place at some of their units in late August, while the monthly Manager Magazin said that the investigation has also included the German Steel Federation (Wirtschaftsvereinigung Stahl).
Bundeskartellamt will not disclose the names of the parties under investigation until they have concluded their investigation.