UK regulator warns of competition concerns over Unilever-McCormick merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns that Unilever’s proposed merger of its food business with US company McCormick could reduce competition in sauces and seasoning mixes, potentially allowing the combined company to raise prices.

The regulator says Unilever’s Knorr brand and McCormick’s range of seasoning mixes are significant players in the market. It considers that rival products, including Maggi and supermarket own-label seasonings, may only partly offset the concentration of market power.

The CMA has given the companies a week to propose measures to address its concerns. If they do not make proposals, or if the regulator considers them insufficient, it will open an in-depth investigation into the merger.