COMCO launches Investigation into possible Bid-rigging in the Canton of Jura

According to a press release dated 20 November 2025, the Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) has opened a new investigation against several construction companies in the Canton of Jura. The authority suspects that these companies coordinated bids and prices in the building and civil engineering sector over several years. COMCO has conducted dawn raids and is now examining whether unlawful restrictions of competition took place.

Background

COMCO received indications that six companies may have coordinated their prices and offers in public and private procurement procedures. To secure evidence, dawn raids were carried out at several of the companies involved. The investigation focuses on whether coordinated price or bid arrangements existed that unlawfully restricted competition.

Assessment

This case highlights the sensitivity of the construction industry to antitrust risks. The construction industry has therefore been the focus of the COMCO for years.

In the context of permissible joint ventures, companies in the construction sector regularly interact with competitors. Such lawful forms of cooperation must be distinguished from unlawful cartels such as bid-rigging agreements. While permissible joint ventures can intensify competition, bid-rigging arrangements weaken competition and drive up prices. They are among the most serious types of collusion and can lead to lengthy proceedings, high fines, and other disadvantages.

Companies should regularly review their compliance structures and bidding processes to reduce antitrust risks. Regular training sessions may also be advisable. If an investigation is nevertheless initiated, professional legal advice from the very beginning is essential to effectively safeguard rights. 

For the companies under investigation, the presumption of innocence applies.

You can find the press release here (in German only).