Twelve construction companies fined for cartel activity

The Czech competition office has announced a fine of 278 million crowns on a group of 12 construction companies. The ČTK agency said that the largest fine, amounting to tens of millions of crowns, had been imposed on the Hochtief company. The Polish-based building company, Swietelsky, had cooperated with the competition watchdog in a bid to reduce its fine, the agency added. The cartel allegedly covered building contracts in South Bohemia and the Vysočina. The companies can still appeal the fines and findings of the authority.