The Czech competition authority has imposed an almost CZK 2 billion fine on four companies for participating in a cartel among cable manufacturers. The authority describes the penalty as the largest it has ever imposed.

A fifth cable manufacturer avoided a fine after informing the authority about the cartel through the leniency programme. The decision is not final, and the companies that were fined have appealed.

The case is highlighted in the authority’s monthly newsletter, which also covers other developments in competition, public procurement, state aid and the abuse of significant market power. The newsletter includes a section on public procurement aimed at specialists and promotes the authority’s upcoming St Martin’s Conference.