Case Overview

This consolidated antitrust class action alleges that manufacturers and distributors of PVC pipe systems engaged in a conspiracy to fix, raise, maintain, or stabilize prices for PVC pipes and fittings in violation of the Sherman Act. The allegations include coordinated pricing using market data exchanged through the Oil Price Information Service LLC (OPIS), enabling significant price increases for municipal water pipes, plumbing pipe, electrical conduit, and related fittings beginning no later than January 1, 2021.

Defendants

Major PVC pipe manufacturers (Converters), including Atkore Inc.; JM Eagle, Inc.; National Pipe & Plastics, Inc.; Otter Tail Corp.; Westlake Corp.; and others. Co‑conspirator distributors include large national and regional distributors of PVC pipe systems. OPIS is also named as a defendant for allegedly facilitating competitively sensitive information exchange among manufacturers.

Market Impact and Class Period

PVC pipe systems serve municipal water, wastewater, storm‑water, plumbing, and electrical conduit markets. Plaintiffs allege the conspiracy period begins no later than January 1, 2021 and continues through at least May 16, 2025.

Settlement with OPIS

OPIS entered into the first settlement in this litigation, agreeing to pay a total of $6 million — $3 million to direct purchasers and $3 million to purchasers from non‑converter sellers — and to provide extensive cooperation, including documents and testimony, in plaintiffs’ ongoing prosecution against remaining defendants.

Settlements / Status

• OPIS Settlement: $6 million.
• Remaining defendants: Litigation continues; no additional settlements announced.

Key Dates

• Initial complaints filed: August 2024.
• OPIS settlement announced: June 2025.
• Preliminary approval sought: July 2025.