Provisional go-ahead for domestic appliances deal

Summary:

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally cleared the deal between Aru00e7elik and Whirlpool, finding that it is unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the UK market for major domestic appliances (MDAs). The two companies are among the largest suppliers of MDAs, including washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, and cooking appliances, but the CMA panel considered a wide range of evidence and found that consumers will continue to have a wide range of choices following the deal. The panel noted that Aru00e7elik and Whirlpool will face significant competition from other suppliers, including BSH, Haier Group, Samsung, and LG, as well as retailers' private label brands and recent entrants like Hisense. The CMA will now consult on its provisional findings and welcomes responses from interested parties by February 29, 2024, before issuing its final report.