OFT probes Rok and Galliford Try

Rok and Galliford Try have admitted the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is investigating them as part of its probe into tender activity in the construction industry.

In a statement this morning, Rok said the OFT has written to two of the group’s subsidiaries regarding tenders made before they were bought by Rok.

The statement said: “Appropriate warranties and indemnities were obtained at the time of the respective acquisitions and both subsidiaries are co-operating fully with the OFT.”

It added: “The group has strict guidelines in place relating to the tendering process and is reviewing those guidelines to ensure full compliance with competition law.”

In a separate statement, Galliford Try said: "We confirm we have received a letter regarding 17 tenders submitted between 2000 and 2005. The tenders relate to part of the building division and represent a very small proportion of the bidding activity of the division during the period."

The OFT began its investigation into cartel activity over two years ago and has since raided the offices of 57 companies.