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Background on the Austrian Construction Cartel
Between 2002 and 2017, a minimum of 40 construction companies throughout Austria participated in a long-running cartel, in violation of European and national antitrust laws. The cartel primarily affected public and private construction tenders, significantly distorting competition across the sector. In a series of decisions issued in 2021 and 2022, the Austrian Cartel Court found that the participating companies had engaged in coordinated practices that eliminated fair competition.
The two largest participants, STRABAG AG and the PORR Group, both received fines in excess of €100 million. Other companies, including SWIETELSKY, HABAU, Pittel + Brausewetter, and several firms from the GEBRÜDER HAIDER Group, also acknowledged their involvement in the cartel. More than 30 additional companies are currently under investigation. This conduct resulted in substantial harm to direct and indirect customers who commissioned construction projects during the cartel period. Expert assessments by competition economists estimate average cartel-related price surcharges of 17% to 28%, which are now recoverable along with applicable interest.
In recognition of the need for coordinated legal action, LitFin was selected through a public tender process to support claimants in asserting their rights and recovering damages. We are already representing public and private companies with an estimated claim of over EUR 150 million.
No cost or financial risk
s carried by you 
You get access to the
most renowned legal
and economic
representation 
Supported by LitFin
with a proven record of enforcing clients’ rights, covering all costs and risks Discover our offer, to help you get the best compensation
In the event of success, you will receive the net proceeds achieved minus our success commission, which is graded according to the total amount of damages received from the cartelists. After the registration we ask you to send us an overview of realized construction projects in the cartel period. Based on this data we will make you a concrete offer, which depends on the expenses, as well as on the types of projects and the participating construction companies. Our participation is based on the following.
LitFin can purchase your claims as an alternative to standard financing. After reviewing your invoices, we’ll make an offer — and if accepted, you receive immediate payment without waiting for legal proceedings. The payout is lower than with financing, but you get your money immediately, without waiting for a court's decision.
