The Competition Council has fined Holcim Romania S.A., Romcim S.A., and Heidelberg Materials Romania S.A. a total of 217,966,541.82 lei (approximately 43.7 million euros) for coordinating pricing policies.
The fines were distributed as follows:
- Holcim Romania S.A.: 90,900,114.26 lei (18.2 million euros)
- Romcim S.A.: 66,123,571.28 lei (13.3 million euros)
- Heidelberg Materials Romania S.A.: 60,942,856.28 lei (12.2 million euros)
The competition authority found that, at least during 2017-2018, the three cement producers engaged in the exchange of sensitive commercial information (such as future prices, discounts, payment terms, quantities, volumes, etc.) through intermediaries—specifically their clients.
Each of the three companies implemented internal mechanisms to organize and use the information collected from clients by regional sales agents. These non-public details (not referring to shelf prices) were centralized, monitored, and used to develop commercial strategies, particularly pricing policies.
“Each involved company could reasonably foresee that information about their own commercial terms would reach the other producers. This behavior reduced competition, leading to cement price increases compared to neighboring countries,” stated Bogdan Chirițoiu, President of the Competition Council.
The Competition Council continues to monitor the construction materials market due to the strategic significance of the construction sector for economic and social development.
Cement, an essential material, is used in concrete production and as a primary ingredient in many construction materials. In recent years, Romania’s construction sector has experienced a steady upward trend. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, construction activity grew by approximately 18% compared to 2019.
Subsequently, amid the energy crisis that followed the health crisis, construction activity continued to grow annually by approximately 12-15%. The year 2024 marked a relative stabilization of the sector.
Holcim, Romcim reject findings of the investigation report
Following the conclusion of the cement market investigation, the Competition Council announced today its decision to sanction cement producers with fines based on their turnover, a development widely reported in the media.
“Holcim Romania rejects the findings of the investigation report, stating that it has acted and continues to act in compliance with competition laws.
We consider the decision unfounded, and Holcim Romania will exercise its right to defense in court and contest the penalty issued by the Romanian competition authority.
We are firmly committed to fair competition, as reflected in our Business Code of Conduct, which includes a comprehensive compliance and integrity program with detailed policies, procedures, and continuous training on competition rules.
Holcim Romania has zero tolerance for any breach of regulations. We are determined to prevent any form of activity that could lead to violations of our Business Code of Conduct or the legal framework,” said in a statement Bogdan Dobre, CEO Holcim Romania & Market Head Moldova.
Romcim also firmly rejected the decision announced by the Competition Council in the investigation into the cement market in Romania. “Romcim carries out its entire activity in an ethical and responsible manner, based on clear internal policies, which expressly prohibit anti-competitive behavior. Romcim is to receive the motivated decision of the Competition Council, which it intends to challenge before the courts,” is the company’s message.