The CNMC has launched formal proceedings against twelve companies and four executives over suspected bid rigging in the civil engineering and construction sector in Cantabria.
The companies under investigation are Actividades de Seguridad Vial Cantábrico, Aglocan Servicios y Construcciones, Arruti Santander (in liquidation), Cannor Obras y Servicios de Cantabria, Construcciones y Excavaciones Aníbal, Constructora Obras Públicas San Emeterio, Cuevas Gestión de Obras, Fernández Rosillo y Cía, Global Tektia, Palomera Obras y Proyectos, Rucecan and Técnicos Asociados Minero Industriales.
The case also involves four executives linked to Constructora Obras Públicas San Emeterio, Cuevas Gestión de Obras, Global Tektia and Palomera Obras y Proyectos, although their identities have not been publicly disclosed.
According to the CNMC, the companies may have coordinated their participation in tenders for civil works, building projects and related services, covering contracts issued by national, regional and local authorities as well as private clients. The authority suspects that the firms “submitted fictitious bids” to give the appearance of competition while effectively sharing contracts among themselves.
The alleged conduct involves agreements and exchanges of commercially sensitive information, potentially infringing Article 1 of the Ley de Defensa de la Competencia. Such practices are considered among the most serious violations of competition law due to their direct impact on public procurement and pricing.
The investigation follows the CNMC’s review of multiple tenders organised by regional departments of the Government of Cantabria, the Santander City Council and other local authorities. As part of its inquiry, the authority carried out inspections at several company premises in March 2025.
The authority emphasised that the opening of proceedings does not prejudge the outcome. The investigation is expected to last up to 24 months, after which the CNMC will determine whether the alleged collusion took place.