The Swiss Competition Commission (COMCO) is expanding its investigation into potential anti-competitive practices within the construction industry in the canton of Jura, now encompassing 20 companies. This development follows an initial probe launched in November 2025, which focused on six firms suspected of bid-rigging.
According to a statement released on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, COMCO is examining whether these companies engaged in coordinated bidding and price-fixing for both public and private construction projects over several years. The investigation aims to determine if an illegal bidding cartel exists, a practice that can inflate prices, stifle innovation, and reduce efficiency within the sector. Swiss construction firms probed for price fixing
The expanded inquiry underscores COMCO’s ongoing scrutiny of the construction industry, which has been a recurring focus for the competition watchdog. COMCO launches Investigation into possible Bid-rigging in the Canton of Jura. The agency has previously conducted several investigations into bidding cartels and is actively working to prevent unlawful restrictions of competition, such as bid-rigging agreements.
Whereas companies are presumed innocent at this stage, the proceedings, which typically last up to two years, could result in significant penalties if an illegal cartel is confirmed. Competition Commission targets 20 construction companies. The investigation highlights the importance of compliance structures and bidding processes for companies operating in the construction sector, and legal counsel is considered essential for those under investigation.
This investigation comes after similar probes in recent years, demonstrating a continued effort to maintain fair competition within the Swiss construction market. The potential for coordinated price arrangements is a serious concern for regulators, as it can have a detrimental impact on project costs and overall economic efficiency.
