Brattle Team Supports MOL in Landmark Cartel Collective Action

In a landmark collective action concerning a cartel in the vehicle shipping market, a Brattle team provided economic analyses, and Principal Pinar Bagci testified on behalf of defendant Mitsui OSK Lines, Ltd. (MOL), a Japanese car carrier company.

The UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) proceedings followed a 2018 European Commission cartel infringement decision, which found that – between 2006 and 2012 – several car carriers participated in a cartel involving the deep-sea shipping of vehicles. Building on that decision, a CAT collective action was filed in 2020 by class representative Mark McLaren on behalf of UK consumers and businesses.

Brattle was retained by Arnold & Porter on behalf of MOL to provide in-depth economic analysis, including overcharge and pass-on analyses. Led by Dr. Bagci, along with Principal Dr. Can Çeliktemur and Senior Associate Lorenzo Vasselli, the Brattle team prepared multiple expert reports and a joint expert statement, and Dr. Bagci testified during a nine-week trial, which included participation in hot-tubbing and cross-examination before the CAT.

On January 15, 2026, the CAT approved the final settlement in the matter. As the first follow-on cartel collective action to reach trial before the CAT, the matter represents a significant milestone and is expected to have important implications for the development of the UK class action regime.