Metalnewsnet 30 Jun ：

Reuters, citing two people with knowledge of the matter, reported that European Union antitrust regulators will this week fine an alleged cartel in the pre stressing steel industry.

One person familiar with the process said that “The prestressed steel cartel decision will be on Wednesday.”

The second person said that te EU executive's statement of objections or charge sheet listed around 40 companies, with many of them based in Italy, Spain and Austria.

The Commission, which can fine companies up to 10% of annual sales for breaching EU rules, is expected to reduce the penalties for crisis hit companies.

In October 2008, the European Commission, the EU's antitrust watchdog, charged several companies with illegally fixing prices. The unidentified companies make wire rods used in pre stressing steel for constructing balconies and foundation piles.

(from Reuters)