Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into SC Johnson’s acquisition of Sara Lee’s household insect control business

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of the global household insect control business of Sara Lee by SC Johnson of the US. The Commission's initial market investigation indicated potential competition concerns with respect to the supply of household insecticide products in Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Belgium and Greece, where the parties' activities show significant overlaps. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 12 May 2011, to take a final decision on whether the proposed transaction would significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation.