06 August 2019 | Herpreet Kaur Grewal
The Competition and Markets Authority's (CMA) in-depth investigation has provisionally found that the merger between two cleaning chemical supplier organisations is likely to face limited competition from other suppliers and, as a result, prices could go up or quality standards may get worse.
Ecolab and Holchem are two of the largest suppliers of cleaning chemicals to food and drink manufacturers in the UK. The merger will create a new organisation with a market share of 40-50 per cent, which is much greater than any of the remaining competitors.
Both companies make and supply cleaning chemicals and technical support services for businesses that manufacture, process and package food, drink and dairy products.
Access to competitively priced, safe and effective cleaning chemicals and services is an important part of keeping food and drink safe and free from contamination.
The group of independent CMA panel members leading the inquiry has analysed a significant amount of data, including on customers and tenders, which showed that they compete closely.
The group also conducted hearings with Ecolab and Holchem and sought views from customers.
Kirstin Baker, chair of the inquiry, said: "We are concerned that, as a result of this merger, prices will go up or quality standards in crucial support services will get worse. The group has therefore provisionally concluded that the merger is likely to lead to a substantial lessening of competition."
The CMA is now inviting comments on both its provisional findings (by 27 August) and its possible remedies (by 13 August), including unwinding the deal.
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