Contractor incurs highest fine, despite not being involved in more serious forms of bid-rigging

Kier has said it is assessing its options in relation to the £18m fine imposed on it by the Office of Fair Trading this morning after its four-year investigation into bid-rigging.

A spokesperson for the firm said: “We are currently considering our position and will set out our response in due course.” The spokesperson refused to clarify whether this meant it was possible that the contractor would appeal the decision.

Kier's fine is the largest of all, despite it only being accused of coverpricing, not the more serious form of bid-rigging which involves paying others money to place uncompetitive bids.

A number of other contractors have said they are considering whether to appeal, including Willmott Dixon and Galliford Try. Concentra (formerly Durkan Pudelek) which has been found guilty of the more serious charge of making compensation payments, has said it will almost certainly appeal.

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