Bulgarian competition watchdog finds cartel in construction equipment tenders

Bulgaria's Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) has uncovered evidence of a cartel operating within public procurement processes for construction equipment. The investigation has led to accusations against three specific companies for allegedly coordinating their bids.

The firms implicated are "O-Rent" Ltd., "Inzhkonsult" Ltd., and "Zemekop" Ltd. According to the CPC, these companies are accused of colluding to manipulate their participation in public tenders. This alleged coordination suggests a deliberate effort to stifle competition and potentially inflate prices for construction machinery acquired through state contracts.

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The Commission for Protection of Competition accuses three more firms of a cartel. It was detected in public tenders for the supply of construction equipment.

The CPC's findings point to a systematic effort by these companies to align their strategies, likely ensuring that certain firms were awarded contracts while others submitted non-competitive bids. Such practices undermine the principles of fair competition and transparency in public spending, potentially leading to inefficient use of taxpayer money.

Further details regarding the specific methods of coordination and the duration of the alleged cartel's operation are expected as the investigation progresses. The CPC's action highlights ongoing efforts to ensure fair market practices and prevent anti-competitive behavior within Bulgaria's business environment, particularly in sectors involving significant public investment.

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According to the CPC, they coordinated their participation in...