High Court dismisses price fixing action

The High Court has dismissed an action alleging price fixing against CRH, Readymix and other building materials suppliers, on the grounds of delay.

The case was initiated in 1996 by Framus Ltd and two other companies who claimed they were forced out of business between 1993 and 1994 because of an alleged cartel in the industry.

The defendants have succeeded in having the claim thrown out due to inordinate and inexcusable delay.

Mr Justice John Cooke has found the non-availablity of key witnesses and the difficulties of others to recall events from 20 years ago would cause serious prejudice to the defendants.