EC clears Arcelik Whirpool EMEA merger

The European Commission (EC) has approved the acquisition of Whirlpool EMEA business by Turkish appliance manufacturer Arcelik.

01 Nov, 23

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of Whirlpool EMEA business by Turkish appliance manufacturer Arcelik, under the EU Merger Regulation.

EC clears Arcelik Whirpool EMEA merger

Left to right: Consumer durables group president of Koç Holding Fatih Kemal Ebiçlioğlu, Whirlpool Cooperation CEO Marc Bitzer and Arçelik CEO Hakan Bulgurlu

 

With both companies supplying major domestic appliances, it was questioned whether the merger would create competition concerns.

The Commission concluded it would not raise competition concerns, given the presence of alternative suppliers in the European Economic Area countries, where both parties are active.

Sponsored Video

However, the case is still open in the UK, with the Competition Markets Authority (CMA) having appointed an inquiry group on October 11, 2023.

The CMA will notify provisional findings in January/February of 2024 and, if required, possible remedies.

It will publish a final report with the statutory deadline of March 26, 2024.