European Union: Initiated European Commission unannounced antitrust inspections into the data centre construction sector over alleged anticompetitive practices including cartel behaviour

On 17 November 2024, the European Commission initiated unannounced inspections at the premises of several companies active in the data centre construction sector. The inspections are part of an investigation into potential violations of EU antitrust rules, specifically Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which prohibits cartels and restrictive business practices. In particular, the Commission is investigating allegations of collusion in the form of no-poach agreements within the sector. The inspections were accompanied by formal requests for information issued to additional companies in the same industry. Officials from the Commission were supported by national competition authorities during the inspections.