Crown admits role in removals cartel

FURNITURE removal business Crown Relocations has admitted that it participated in tender collusion with its competitors between 2007 and 2012, the Competition Tribunal said yesterday. The case before the tribunal involved more than 40 respondents, all competing in the furniture removal industry, registrar Lerato Motaung said in a statement. Crown Relocations had agreed to pay a penalty of R849 873 for its role in the collusion. The commission investigated the collusion cases, and had to decide whether to confirm the settlements, refuse to confirm them, or ask for changes to the agreements. The removal companies colluded on tenders issued by various government departments. – Sapa