UK CMA Launches McCormick–Unilever Merger Inquiry into Proposed Food Business Acquisition

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a merger inquiry into the proposed acquisition by McCormick & Company, Inc. of the majority of Unilever plc’s foods business.

The investigation, officially launched on 16 September 2026, will assess the potential impact of the transaction on competition in the UK food manufacturing market. The CMA initially invited interested parties to submit comments on the proposed acquisition between 21 July and 5 August 2026, seeking industry feedback on possible competition concerns. Following the receipt of the necessary information from both companies, the regulator commenced its formal Phase 1 merger investigation.

The deadline for the CMA’s Phase 1 decision is 11 November 2026, although the statutory timetable may be extended under certain circumstances. The review represents an important regulatory milestone for McCormick’s proposed expansion through the acquisition of a substantial portion of Unilever’s food business.

The investigation will determine whether the transaction raises competition concerns that require further scrutiny under the UK’s merger control framework. The outcome could have implications for the competitive landscape of the UK food industry, including the positioning of major food brands and the structure of the food manufacturing market.

However, the launch of the inquiry does not indicate that the acquisition has been blocked or that competition concerns have been conclusively established. The transaction remains subject to regulatory assessment, with the CMA’s findings expected to clarify the next steps in the merger review process.

Source: GOV.UK