NCC risks damages for competition infringement in Norway

NCC risks damages for competition infringement in Norway

The Norwegian Competition Authority has issued a preliminary ruling to
the effect that NCC will have to pay competition infringement damages
corresponding to approximately SEK 200 million. The alleged
infringements pertain to asphalt paving work in two areas. NCC considers
that the amount of damages is excessive, but admits to a number of
circumstances.

The two areas that have been part of the Competition Authority's
investigation are Trondheim and the Møre and Romsdal district.

NCC completely refutes the Competition Authority's claims concerning
illicit collusion in the Møre and Romsdal district. An investigation
conducted by the law firm Advokatfirma Raeder DA on behalf of NCC has
revealed no evidence of such collusion.

In the Trondheim area, the Competition Authority found evidence of
illicit collusion between NCC Roads and Veidekke during the years 2005
to 2008. Advokatfirma Raeder DA's investigation also confirmed that
irregularities had occurred in this area. They were committed by a
single former employee who had premeditatedly acted in contravention of
NCC's values and rules.

NCC has clear-cut values and rules concerning how the company should
conduct itself in the market and strongly disassociates itself from all
forms of illicit collusion. Since 2002, managers and specialists at NCC
have undergone training in business ethics and competition law. Slightly
more than 3,000 employees have received such training, which is
mandatory.

“It is regrettable that a former employee has premeditatedly acted
completely in contravention of the company's values and rules. Such
actions risk seriously damaging the company and the entire industry,”
says Göran Landgren, Business Area President of NCC Roads.

NCC will now evaluate the ruling made by the Competition Authority and
has six weeks to refute it. Subsequently, the authority will arrive at
its definitive ruling on the matter, which can then be heard in a court
of law.

NCC is reviewing the financial consequences of the preliminary ruling.

For further information, please contact:
Göran Landgren, Business Area President NCC Roads, + 46 (0) 70-595 0730
Magnus Jonsson, External Communication and Media Relations Manager NCC
AB, +46 (0)8-585 522 46

NCC's media line: +46 (0)8-585 519 00, E-mail:
press@ncc.se (press@ncc.se)