Supply of galvanised steel tanks for water storage: criminal investigation
The CMA took over the OFT's investigation of cartel conduct in respect of the supply in the UK of galvanised steel tanks for water storage.
Case reference: CE/9623/12
Summary of work
The CMA carried on an investigation and prosecution begun by the OFT into cartel conduct in respect of the supply in the UK of galvanised steel tanks for water storage. Three individuals were charged with an offence under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the criminal cartel offence, with one defendant pleading guilty and two others being acquitted following trial by jury.
The CMA is conducting a related civil investigation into whether businesses have infringed the Competition Act 1998. No assumption should be made at this stage that the Competition Act has been infringed.
Please note: The opened date above is the date of first publication of information about this case.
Update 14 September 2015
Nigel Snee was today sentenced to 6 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to do 120 hours community service within 12 months.
- CMA news story: Director sentenced to 6 months for criminal cartel (14.9.15)
Update 24 June 2015
Two directors, Clive Dean and Nicholas Stringer, were today acquitted of charges under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002 following a trial at Southwark Crown Court.
- CMA news story: CMA statement following completion of criminal cartel prosecution (24.6.15)
Update 20 May 2015
Following a pre-trial hearing on 19 May 2015 at Southwark Crown Court before HHJ Goymer, the trial of Clive Dean and Nicholas Stringer is due to begin on 1 June 2015.
Update 17 April 2015
An interim case management hearing on the criminal case against Mr Stringer and Mr Dean was heard on 17 April at Southwark Crown Court. A further hearing has been set for the court to hear legal arguments on 19 May. The trial date remains set for 1 June and is expected to last 6 to 8 weeks.
Update 17 March 2015
Following a case management hearing on 17 March at Southwark Crown Court, the case against Mr Dean and Mr Stringer remains listed for trial in June 2015, with an interim hearing listed for 17 April 2015.
Update 26 January 2015
At a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 26 January, Clive Geoffrey Dean and Nicholas Simon Stringer both entered a plea of not guilty.
The case has been adjourned until the trial, which has been listed for 1 June 2015 at Southwark Crown Court. There will be an interim case management hearing on a date yet to be listed in March.
Update 26 September 2014
At a hearing at Southwark Crown Court on 26 September 2014 the case against Peter Nigel Snee was adjourned to 26 January 2015.
The case against Mr Snee will therefore be heard at the same time as the case management hearing already listed for Mr Dean and Mr Stringer.
Mr Snee was conditionally bailed.
Update 23 July 2014
Clive Geoffrey Dean and Nicholas Simon Stringer appeared on 23 July for their first hearing at Southwark Crown Court in relation to the charge they both face under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the criminal cartel offence.
Neither Mr Dean or Mr Stringer entered a plea.
Their case has been adjourned for a case management hearing on 26 January 2015, and a trial has been listed for 1 June 2015 at Southwark Crown Court.
Both defendants are on conditional bail.
Update 11 July 2014
Two men appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 11 July 2014 to face a charge under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the criminal cartel offence. Clive Geoffrey Dean and Nicholas Simon Stringer were charged on 30 June 2014 as part of an on-going investigation by the CMA.
- Press release: Two men face charges in ongoing criminal cartel investigation (11.7.14)
Update 17 June 2014
At a hearing on 17 June 2014 Southwark Crown Court permitted reporting of the fact that Peter Nigel Snee had pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing, to the charge under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the criminal cartel offence. This case remains otherwise subject to reporting restrictions.
Update 27 January 2014
The Office of Fair Trading confirmed that it had charged an individual under section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, the criminal cartel offence, following an investigation into suspected cartel conduct in respect of the supply in the UK of galvanised steel tanks for water storage
- Press release: Man faces charge in criminal cartel investigation (27.1.14).
Contacts
Team leader
Gary Bracken (gary.bracken@cma.gsi.gov.uk)
Project director
Wayil Eisa (wayil.eisa@cma.gsi.gov.uk)
Senior responsible officer
Stephen Blake (stephen.blake@cma.gsi.gov.uk)