CRH response to anti-competit

RNS Number : 9160D

CRH PLC

10 December 2009

 



N E W S  R E L E A S E

10 December 2009

CRH plc RESPONSE TO ANTI-COMPETITION FINDINGS IN POLAND

CRH plc 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 7 companies including CRH subsidiary Grupa Ożarów S.A., Lafarge Cement S.A., Górażdże Cement S.A., Cemex Polska S.A., Dyckerhoff Polska Sp. z o.o., Cementownia Warta S.A. and Cementownia Odra S.A. 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.

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.

Contact CRH at Dublin 404 1000 ([phone])

Myles Lee, Chief Executive

Éimear O'Flynn, Head of Investor Relations

CRH plc, Belgard Castle, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland TELEPHONE [phone] FAX [phone]

E-MAIL: [e-mail]    WEBSITE: www.crh.com   Registered Office, 42 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland

 

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