Competition Commission: CC cancels chemicals merger inquiry

The Competition Commission (CC) has formally cancelled its inquiry concerning the anticipated acquisition by Dorf Ketal Chemicals AG of the titanate and zirconate business of Johnson Matthey plc.

The CC has received assurances from the parties that the proposed acquisition has been abandoned.

The case was referred to the CC by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) on 19 November 2010

The CC had been asked to decide whether the acquisition may have been expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK. Titanate and zirconate are chemicals used in various manufacturing and industrial processes, including in the production of certain inks, sealants and coatings. Dorf and the JM Business are the two largest suppliers of titanate and zirconate in the UK, as well as on a European and global basis.

Notes to editors

1. The reference has been cancelled in accordance with the provisions of section 37(1) of the Enterprise Act 2002.

2. The CC is under a duty under section 37(1) to cancel a reference if it is satisfied that the parties have abandoned arrangements for an acquisition of the kind mentioned in the reference.

3. The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the CC completed or proposed mergers for investigation and report which create or enhance a 25 per cent share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70 million.

4. Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor or Siobhan Allen or by ringing 020 7271 0242.

Contacts

NDS Enquiries 
Phone: For enquiries please contact the issuing dept 
ndsenquiries@coi.gsi.gov.uk