Under investigation

The European Commission is to conduct further investigations into the planned Ineos acquisition of Norsk Hydro’s polymers business, Kerling, as part of its competition clearance process.

The investigations will consider the implications of the proposed acquisition, specifically the effects on competition in the UK S-PVC market, and also possible impacts on competition in other national markets for caustic soda, S-PVC compounds and PVC films.

Competition clearance is the only remaining condition to which the acquisition of Kerling is subject, and the deal will be completed once clearance has been received.

According to the original schedule, the acquisition was expected to be completed in the third quarter of this year. It will now be finalised as soon as the Commission gives the go-ahead. The Commission has until January 11 2008 to complete its investigations.