CMA publishes issues statement for Sonoco / Weidenhammer inquiry
The CMA has published an issues statement following its referral of the completed acquisition by Sonoco Products Company of Weidenhammer Packaging Group GmbH for a full phase 2 investigation on 27 January 2015.
The inquiry group of Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel members must decide whether a relevant merger situation has been created and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services. The inquiry group must report by 13 July 2015.
Sonoco and Weidenhammer manufacture and supply packaging products, particularly composite cans (rigid tubes with closures on each end).
The issues statement identifies clearly for all interested parties the key questions which the inquiry is examining. The issues statement does not imply that the inquiry group has yet identified any competition concerns. The full issues statement is available on the case page along with all other published information relating to the investigation.
The phase 1 decision, which provides some background on Sonoco and Weidenhammer, the industry in which they operate and the reasons for the merger reference, has also been published on the case page.
Anyone wishing to respond to the issues statement should do so in writing, by no later than 5pm on 11 March 2015, to Sonoco.Weidenhammer@cma.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
Project Manager
Sonoco/Weidenhammer merger inquiry
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD