Hempel / FBA merger inquiry

The CMA is investigated and cleared the anticipated acquisition by Hempel Decorative Paints Limited of FB Ammonite Limited, the parent company of Farrow & Ball.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 21 June 2021
• Last updated: 3 September 2021 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Chemicals
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 21 June 2021
• Closed: 26 August 2021

Statutory timetable

Date	Action
26 August 2021	Clearance decision announced
9 July 2021	Launch of merger inquiry
21 June 2021 to 5 July 2021	Invitation to comment

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

26 August 2021: The CMA has cleared the anticipated acquisition by Hempel Decorative Paints Limited of FB Ammonite Limited.

• Full text decision (3.9.21)

Launch of merger inquiry

9 July 2021: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement notice (9.7.21)

Invitation to comment: closes 5 July 2021

21 June 2021: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to: general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.

Published 21 June 2021
Last updated 3 September 2021 + show all updates

1. 3 September 2021

   Full text decision of the clearance published.

2. 26 August 2021

   Clearance decision announced.

3. 9 July 2021

   Commencement notice published.

4. 21 June 2021

   First published.