Australia seeks views on Sika's proposed MBCC asset sales

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The divestment is part of a global remedy proposed by the Swiss company to satisfy the concerns of competition authorities about its 5.5 billion Swiss franc ($5.94 billion) acquisition of MBCC Group, the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) said in a statement.

The ACCC has concerns that the acquisition would “substantially” lessen competition in the supply of chemical admixtures in the country by combining the two largest suppliers with a likely market share of about 80%, the regulator added.

“We are seeking views from market participants as to whether the proposed divestiture undertaking would create an effective, independent, and long-term competitor to Sika,” ACCC Commissioner Stephen Ridgeway said.

The MBCC deal was recently cleared by UK’s competition watchdog.

The ACCC is inviting submissions on the proposed divestment undertaking by Feb. 3, 2023.