At the end of July last year, the Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) published a decision sanctioning eight major Italian companies that produce and sell rebar and steel mesh with fines amounting in total to €140 million, for setting up a cartel in the concrete reinforcing bar and mesh sector in Italy.
Accordingly, Alfa Acciai S.p.A., Feralpi Siderurgica S.p.A., Ferriera Valsabbia S.p.A., Industrie Riunite Odolesi I.R.O. S.p.A., O.R.I. Martin Acciaieria e Ferriera di Brescia S.p.A., Stefana S.p.A., Riva Acciaio S.p.A., and Ferriere Nord S.p.A. and its parent company Fin.Fer. S.p.A. were accused of coordinating sales prices in the period from 2010 to 2016. The investigation began in October 2015.
All companies except Stefana subsequently appealed the decision. Lazio Regional Administrative Court has dismantled the Competition Authority thesis and upheld the appeals. As a result, all the fines have been canceled.
The companies involved have expressed their satisfaction following the successful appeals. "The Regional Administrative Court has totally dismantled the accusations that questioned the functioning of the Chambers of Commerce and the roles of our representatives, who have done nothing but their duty in the Steel Price Commission," said Feralpi president Giuseppe Pasini who was speaking to Italian media.