CMA requests comments on McCormick-Unilever deal

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”) issued an “invitation to comment” on July 21, 2026, opening the first phase of its inquiry into the anticipated acquisition of food business Unilever Plc by McCormick & Company, Inc. The regulator is seeking initial views from interested parties on the potential impact of the merger on competition in the United Kingdom, with written representations due by August 5, 2026. While a formal investigation has not yet been launched, the CMA stated that the comment period is the first step in a broader information-gathering process.

CMA Case Summary