Chieru Receives Special Investigation Committee Report on Antitrust Violation Suspicions

TOKYO, Aug 05 (Pulse News Wire) – CHIeru Co.,Ltd. (3933.T) received a special investigation committee report on August 05, addressing potential antitrust violations by subsidiary Okijimu Corp.

The report identified instances where Okijimu employees shared bidding documents and pre-bid cost estimates with competitors, which could constitute illegal collusion under Japan's Anti-Monopoly Act. The investigation also found deficiencies in individual employee conduct and inadequate internal controls within the sales department. While no additional evidence of law-breaking was uncovered through a whistleblower hotline surveying all group employees, the report highlighted organizational issues such as insufficient internal rules and training programs.

In response, CHIeru plans to implement measures to prevent future incidents, including enhancing transparency in sales operations, establishing clear bidding procedures, and reinforcing governance structures. Specifically, the company proposes restructuring Okijimu’s management and appointing outside directors to strengthen oversight. As of now, CHIeru does not anticipate significant impacts on its fiscal 2027 performance due to these findings but will promptly disclose any further developments.