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AFCA completes investigations and files applications with Cartel Court regarding two companies in the security service business

On 24 January 2025, the Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA) applied to impose a fine of EUR 540,000 on Securitas Sicherheitsdienstleistungen GmbH and Securitas AB (“Securitas”). The Authority also filed an application for a finding of an infringement by G4S Secure Solutions GmbH (“G4S”); it has granted G4S leniency.

AFCA investigations

Following a complaint, the AFCA launched investigations into alleged illegal bid rigging in the area of security personnel services. The investigations revealed that Securitas and G4S had coordinated their offer behaviour in the case of three private tendering procedures. They had exchanged competitively sensitive and strategic information related to the bidding price in order to encourage the clients concerned to accept a certain offer. The infringement covered the period from August 2019 until December 2022.

Securitas - Cooperation

Securitas cooperated with the AFCA outside the leniency programme to fully clarify the facts of the case, acknowledging the infringement for use in proceedings before the Cartel Court. The AFCA has therefore applied to the Cartel Court for a reduced fine.

G4S - Leniency

G4S applied to the AFCA for leniency, subsequently fully cooperating with the AFCA to clarify the facts of the case. Based on G4S’s comprehensive cooperation under the leniency programme, the AFCA refrained from applying for the imposition of a fine and only requested that the Cartel Court find an infringement.

Leniency programme

The AFCA may refrain from applying for the imposition of a fine or request a reduced fine for a company under leniency arrangements. Leniency will be granted if the company is actively helping to uncover a cartel. To this end, it is essential it cooperates truthfully, promptly and without restrictions. For further information, please refer to: Leniency.