About the case

Case Background

On 3 July 2024, the Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) imposed a fine exceeding 47 million euros on the private security companies Securitas, G4S and Seris to sanction their participation in a complex cartel scheme in the private security sector. These practices lasting from 2008 until 2020 consisted in price fixing agreements, the distortion of public procurement („bid rigging“) and other tender procedures, as well as no-poaching arrangements. These practices constitute a violation of competition rules, specifically Article IV.1 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law and Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU).

The companies involved in the case have formally admitted to engaging in anti-competitive practices as part of a settlement agreement with the BCA. By entering into this settlement, the companies accepted responsibility for their participation in cartel activities and agreed to the terms outlined by the BCA. As a result of this agreement, the BCA's decision is now final and binding, meaning it is not subject to appeal or review by the Market Court anymore.
These cartel infringements had a significant negative impact on the market and, more specifically, on the clients and consumers who relied on private security services provided by these companies. Clients were therefore deprived of the advantages that a competitive market would typically offer, such as lower prices.


Relevant articles

BCA Press release

The Belgian Competition Authority fines Securitas, G4S and Seris over 47 million euros to sanction their participation in a complex cartel scheme in the private security sector

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GCR

Private security cartel “first true opportunity” to fund a Belgian antitrust collective action, funder says

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belga

Security companies fined 47m euros for anti-competitive behaviour

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L'Écho

La RTBF réclame 2,4 millions d'euros au secteur du gardiennage

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Le Soir

La RTBF réclame 2,5 millions d’euros au secteur du gardien- nage

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7sur7

L’Autorité belge de la concurrence inflige plus de 47 millions d’euros d’amende aux principales firmes de sécurité

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RTL info

Plus de 47 millions d'euros d'amende à Securitas, G4S et Seris pour entente sur les prix

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83-629.FR

Entente illégale : G4S, Securitas et Seris condamnés par l’autorité belge de la concurrence

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Nieuwsblad

Meer dan 47 miljoen euro aan boetes voor kartelpraktijken in beveiligingssector

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vrt.nws

Drie grote bewakingsfirma’s krijgen voor meer dan 47 miljoen euro aan boetes voor "zware en langdurige kartelpraktijken"

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Structure of the action

The claim will be filed on behalf of several damaged parties, increasing pressure on the security companies and providing more data to prove the harm caused by their anticompetitive behavior. The damages will be claimed in a civil action brought by a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) before the Belgian courts.

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