The European Commission has opened formal antitrust proceedings against three French water and waste companies. The Commission said it was investigating whether Saur, Suez Environnement/Lyonnaise des Eaux and Veolia had co-ordinated their behaviour on French water and wastewater markets, alongside their trade association FP2E.
The decision follows surprise investigations that began in April 2010 in France and that have already resulted in an €8 million (£6.6 million) fine for Suez and its subsidiary for their “conduct during the investigation”. The Commission said it was investigating whether the companies had co-ordinated their behaviour and pricing for long-term water and wastewater services for local authorities in France.
There is no suggestion that the three companies have infringed antitrust legislation outside France, including in the UK.
Saur’s main activity in the UK is Saur Glasgow, which operates a wastewater plant in Glasgow for Scottish Water under a 25-year private finance initiative contract. Suez Environnement is represented in the UK through waste management subsidiary Sita. Veolia has several UK businesses, including ownership of three water companies (now up for sale), Veolia Water Solutions Technologies, and waste management company Veolia Environmental Services.
This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 27 January 2012.
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