The Competition Authority in Turkey has announced that it has started an investigation against certain steel enterprises in Turkey, including Turkish integrated long steel producer Kardemir Karabuk Demir Celik Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. (Kardemir).
In 2011, the Competition Authority had carried out a preliminary investigation against Kardemir, Cag Celik Demir Celik Endustri A.S., Celsantas Celik Mamulleri San. ve Tic. A.S., Yolbulan Demir San. ve Tic. A.S. and Yolbulanlar Nakl. ve Tic. A.S, following a complaint alleging that the mentioned companies eliminated potential competition by mutual agreements. However, as a result of the preliminary investigation, the complaints regarding the companies in question were rejected.
Regarding the investigation which has now been reopened against the companies in question, Kardemir stated that the initiation of an investigation does not mean it will be faced with criminal sanctions.