DOJ Criminal Probe Adds Fuel
The civil case has unfolded in parallel with a criminal grand jury investigation launched by the U.S. Department of Justice in late 2023. Several PVC pipe makers have acknowledged receiving DOJ subpoenas, and OPIS has reportedly already handed over key materials to federal authorities.
Under the proposed deal, OPIS will share those same materials with plaintiffs, further cementing the company’s role as a cooperating party in what may become one of the largest price-fixing cases in the building materials sector in recent memory.
Seven Weeks of Closed-Door Negotiations
According to court filings, the non-converter class began negotiations with OPIS over seven weeks before direct purchasers were brought into the fold. The staggered strategy ultimately enabled OPIS to reach a comprehensive resolution covering all purchaser classes. However, Judge Hunt held off on ruling immediately, taking the motions under advisement while the plaintiffs prepare formal notice plans for the proposed settlement.
