Following a fast track phase 1 investigation, the CMA has found that the anticipated tie-up between two major kitchen equipment suppliers raises competition concerns.
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Ali Holding S.r.l. and Welbilt, Inc. provide a range of equipment to commercial kitchens across the UK, including much of the equipment typically found in pub and restaurant kitchens.
In particular, the businesses are two of the main suppliers of ice machines in the UK and compete closely with each other currently. At an early stage of the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) investigation, the businesses accepted that their planned merger would raise competition concerns in the supply of ice machines in the UK.
As a result, they asked the CMA to use the ‘fast trak’ cprocedure so that remedies to address these concerns could be considered as early as possible.
The CMA’s formal investigation has now confirmed these concerns and found that the removal of Welbilt as an independent competitor could lead to higher prices or a lower quality service for the hospitality sector and, ultimately, customers.
The merging businesses’ request for the use of the ‘fast track’ procedure has allowed the CMA to conclude its Phase 1 investigation within 10 working days of launching its investigation, well ahead of the 40 working day deadline for initial merger decisions.
The CMA will now consider whether the remedy proposed by Ali Group and Welbilt – which involves the sale of Welbilt’s global ice machine business to an independent third party approved by the CMA – will fully restore the loss of competition in the supply of ice machines in the UK that the deal would otherwise have brought about.
The deal is subject to review by a number of competition authorities and the CMA has engaged closely with other agencies, including in relation to the proposed remedy, throughout its investigation. ■
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