Argos has agreed to violate US law and will pay $ 20 million

The company accepted the anti-competitive conduct of a small number of former employees of a local sales office in Pooler, Georgia.

Argos USA LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the company, accepted the anti-competitive behavior of a small number of former employees of a small local sales office in Pooler, Georgia, United States.

Thus, the company has signed an agreement with the Antitrust Division within the United States Department of Justice and will make a payment of 20 million US dollars in connection with solving an investigation of anti-competitive behavior.

It is worth remembering that Argos was accused of participating in a conspiracy to set prices, raise bids and allocate markets for sales of ready-mixed concrete in the southern district of Georgia and elsewhere, the Justice Department announced on Monday. of the United States DPA).

“Employees of Argos and other ready-mixed concrete companies conspired by raising prices to customers, assigning ready-mixed concrete, charging additional fuel and environmental taxes and offering customers offers at collusive and uncompetitive prices. The alleged conspiracy began in 2010 and continued until approximately July 2016, “the DPA said in a statement.

Makan Delrahim, deputy attorney general for the antitrust division of the Justice Department, said: “This resolution reflects the division’s dedication to answering those who mislead American consumers with critical commercial products at competitive prices. Prices, market allocation and bid pricing are not only unethical, but illegal. The division, along with its law enforcement partners, remains focused on prosecuting those responsible for this type of conduct. “

According to a company statement published in the Financial Superintendency, the US Argos administration, outside Pooler’s office, “did not participate in and tolerate the conduct, which was carried out in violation of the company’s compliance policies.”

Pooler’s assets “were sold years later and are no longer part of Argos USA. Argos USA has accepted responsibility for the behavior of its former employees and will continue to actively cooperate with the DOJ in this regard, “the company added.