CMA move forward with its inquiry of Arçelik and Whirlpool merger

The competition and Markets Authority has announced it is going ahead with its inquiry into the proposed merger between Arçelik and Whirpool.

The CMA found that it had “concerns” in September, and the transaction could give rise to a prospect of a substantial lessening of competition.

The companies were given a deadline of October 5 to respond but on that date the CMA said that it “would not offer such undertakings”.

The main concern the CMA has is with the sale of washing machines, tumble-dryers, dishwashers and cooking appliances.

Arçelik said it “remains in close constructive collaboration with the CMA in the context of the proposed transaction with Whirlpool Europe.”

A spokesperson for Whirlpool added that it “Looks forward to continuing our constructive dialogue with the CMA in a Phase 2 process for our proposed transaction with Arcelik”.

The CMA found that, should the deal go ahead, the merged company will be the largest individual supplier of washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers and cooking appliances – a market worth over £3.8 billion in the UK.

The CMA has until March 26 2024 to complete its investigations.