Argos agreed to have violated US laws and will pay $ 20 million



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The company accepted the anti-competitive conduct of a small number of former employees of a local sales office in Pooler, Georgia.

Argos USA LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the company, accepted the anticompetitive conduct of a small number of former employees of a small local sales office in Pooler, Georgia, United States.

Thus, the company signed an agreement with the Antitrust Division of the United States Department of Justice and will make a payment of US $ 20 million in connection with the resolution of an investigation into anti-competitive conduct.

It is worth remembering that Argos was charged with participating in a conspiracy to set prices, rig bids and assign markets for ready-mix concrete sales in the Southern District of Georgia and elsewhere, the United States Department of Justice announced Monday ( DPA).

“Employees of Argos and other ready-mix concrete companies carried out the conspiracy by raising prices to customers, assigning ready-mix concrete, charging fuel surcharges and environmental fees, and offering offers to customers at collusive and non-competitive prices. The accused conspiracy began in 2010 and continued until approximately July 2016, ″ the DPA said in a statement.

Makan Delrahim, Assistant Attorney General for the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, said that “This resolution reflects the division’s dedication to holding accountable those who mislead American consumers with critical commercial products at competitive prices. Pricing, market allocation and bid rigging are not only unethical, but illegal. The division, along with its law enforcement partners, remains focused on prosecuting those responsible for this type of conduct. “

According to a company statement published in the Financial Superintendence, the administration of Argos USA, outside of Pooler’s office, “did not participate in or tolerate the conduct, which was carried out in contravention of the compliance policies of the company”.

The assets in Pooler “were sold years later and are no longer part of Argos USA. Argos USA has accepted responsibility for the conduct of its former employees and will continue to actively cooperate with the DOJ on this matter, ”the company added.

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