Overview
- The regulator has recognized antitrust violations and plans exclusion orders against Subaru Kogyo, Nihon Highway Service, Keiyo Road Maintenance, and Shuto Highway Service over repeated collusion on cleaning contracts.
- Surcharges totaling about ¥500 million are planned for Subaru Kogyo and Keiyo Road Maintenance, according to multiple reports.
- Nihon Highway Service and its subsidiary Shuto Highway Service reportedly self-reported under the leniency program and are expected to avoid surcharge payments.
- The alleged coordination dates to at least 2017 and involved prearranging winners across four sections in biannual bids, sometimes using other bidders to disguise the scheme.
- Draft dispositions have been issued and final measures will follow after company opinions, with contract values reaching nearly ¥8 billion across four sections funded by toll revenues.