HKCC seeks fines for building renovations cartel with assistance from Housing Authority

Ten local firms in the construction sector are the subject of the Hong Kong Competition Commission (HKCC)’s second court case for allegedly sharing markets and fixing prices for renovation works at On Tat Estate, a public rental housing estate in Kwun Tong, Kowloon. The HKCC continues to prioritise behaviours it considers are likely to have the broadest impact on the public and to work closely with sector regulators and other local enforcement agencies. This latest competition enforcement action follows recent related compliance activities including the ICAC’s highly publicised Garden Vista bid rigging case and the HKCC’s own inquiries into residential building renovation and maintenance and piped LPG supply to public housing estates. 

Competition enforcement activities in Hong Kong would appear to be on the rise, particularly after the appointment of the HKCC’s new leadership team, which will comprise highly experienced former enforcers from the US, Europe, Canada and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority.