The Spanish National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC) has launched an investigation into alleged anticompetitive practices in the road passenger transport sector, focusing in particular on school transport services within the Autonomous Community of Castilla-La Mancha.
Between 6 and 8 October, the CNMC conducted inspections at the premises of several companies operating in this sector. The purpose of these inspections was to gather information and evidence concerning potential agreements or concerted practices aimed at dividing up public service contracts.
These inspections represent a preliminary step in the investigation and do not imply any prior assessment of the outcome or of the possible liability of the companies involved. Depending on the findings, the CNMC may decide to open formal infringement proceedings.
Serious infringements under Spanish competition law
Agreements between competitors to allocate contracts or manipulate public tenders constitute a very serious infringement of the Spanish Competition Act (Ley de Defensa de la Competencia, LDC). If confirmed, such conduct may result in fines of up to 10% of the companies’ total turnover.
Fighting cartels remains one of the CNMC’s top enforcement priorities, given their severe impact on consumers and the proper functioning of markets.
