CMA publishes issues statement in Clariant/Kilfrost merger
The CMA has published an issues statement in its investigation into Clariant’s anticipated acquisition of Kilfrost’s de-/anti-icing fluids business.
The merger was referred for an in-depth phase 2 investigation in February.
Both Clariant AG (Clariant) and Kilfrost Group Public Limited Company (Kilfrost) supply aircraft de-/anti-icing fluids (ADF) in the UK. ADF is sprayed onto aeroplanes while on the ground in order to prepare them for take-off and flight in winter conditions. Kilfrost also supplies rail de-icing fluid (RDF) in the UK. The merger involves the acquisition by Clariant of assets relating to Kilfrost’s European business for the supply of ADF and RDF products.
The inquiry group of Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel members must decide whether, if the acquisition is completed, a relevant merger situation will be created 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 UK for goods or services. The inquiry group is required to report by 3 August 2016.
The issues statement identifies clearly for all interested parties the key questions that 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 inquiry.
Anyone wishing to respond to the issues statement should do so in writing, by no later than 5pm on 29 March 2016. Please email clariant.kilfrost@cma.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
Project Manager
Clariant/Kilfrost merger inquiry
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD
Notes for editors
- The CMA is the UK’s primary competition and consumer authority. It is an independent non-ministerial government department with responsibility for carrying out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries and enforcing competition and consumer law.
- The Clariant/Kilfrost inquiry group is: John Wotton (Chair), Jayne Scott, Michael Hutchings and Tim Tutton.
- All the CMA’s functions in phase 2 merger inquiries are performed by independent inquiry groups chosen from the CMA’s panel members. The appointed inquiry group are the decision-makers on phase 2 inquiries.
- The CMA’s panel members come from a variety of backgrounds, including economics, law, accountancy and/or business; the membership of an inquiry group usually reflects a mix of expertise and experience (including industry experience).
- For more information on the CMA see our homepage or follow us on Twitter @CMAgovuk, Flickr and LinkedIn. Sign up to our email alerts to receive updates on mergers cases.
- Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor (rory.taylor@cma.gsi.gov.uk, 020 3738 6798).