The Austrian competition authority, known as the Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde (BWB), has concluded its investigation into alleged antitrust violations involving Securitas and G4S. The investigation was initiated following a complaint regarding collusive behavior in bidding processes for personnel security services. It was found that both companies coordinated their bidding strategies for three private tenders by exchanging sensitive and strategic information about their offer prices, influencing the clients' decisions from August 2019 to December 2022.

Securitas cooperated with the BWB outside of the leniency program, providing a comprehensive acknowledgment of its wrongdoing. As a result of this cooperation, the BWB has requested a reduced fine from the cartel court.

In contrast, G4S applied for leniency status and subsequently collaborated extensively with the BWB to clarify the facts of the case. Due to its full cooperation under the leniency program, the BWB has opted not to request a fine against G4S, instead only seeking a formal declaration of the infringement from the cartel court.

The leniency program allows the BWB to refrain from imposing fines or to request reduced fines for companies that actively assist in uncovering cartel activities. Key to obtaining leniency status is the requirement that the cooperation is truthful, unrestricted, and prompt.