The Competition and Market Authority has decided to move to phase 2 of the authorization process for the merger between the European operations of Arçelik and Whirlpool .

The CMA has officially announced the launch of an in-depth analysis which will end on 26 March 2024 to assess whether the project could create a “substantial reduction of competition in any market within the United Kingdom”.

The CMA has appointed a commission of external experts (lawyers, former merchant bankers and researchers). The start of the operation announced at the beginning of the year has therefore been moved to at least mid-2024.

The attention of the top management of the two companies as well as of governments, unions and operators therefore shifts to the European Antitrust which should make a decision by 23 Octobe