11th Nov 2026 09:41
(Alliance News) - The UK Competition & Markets Authority on Wednesday said that a planned deal between London-based consumer goods firm Unilever PLC and US-based McCormick & Co Inc could weaken competition in the UK.
The CMA's announcement was in regard to the proposed GBP33.8 billion merger of Unilever's Foods business with Hunt Valley, Maryland-based condiment maker McCormick, which is expected to be completed by mid-2027.
The UK competition watchdog is considering whether to accept undertakings from the two companies to address its concerns, giving them until Wednesday next week to submit proposals. If no undertakings are offered, or if the undertakings offered are insufficient to address the CMA's concerns, it will refer the merger for an in-depth phase 2 investigation.
McCormick, which owns brands including French's mustard and Frank's Red Hot sauce, agreed in July to merge with Unilever's Foods business and seek a secondary listing in London.
Unilever is behind brands such as Knorr, Maille and Colman's, while in the UK, McCormick's consumer business includes the sale of dry ingredient mixes and sauces under the Schwartz brand.
Unilever shares were 0.2% lower at 4,928.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London. McCormick shares were marginally lower at USD46.70 on Wednesday in pre-market trading in New York.
By Tom Budszus, Alliance News slot editor
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