Acquirer(s)
- Ecolab Inc
Target(s)
- Nalco Holding Company
Summary
Ecolab Inc proposed to merge with Nalco Holding Company.Market definition
While the ACCC did not consider it necessary to form a definitive view regarding market definition, it considered the proposed merger in the context of a national market for water treatment chemicals and ancillary equipment and services.Competition analysis
On 24 October 2011 the ACCC determined that the proposed merger was unlikely to substantially lessen competition in the relevant market. Factors informing this conclusion included:- the existence of other competitive suppliers of water treatment chemicals and ancillary equipment and services;
- some competitors of the merged firm have the ability to match a bundle of products that may potentially be offered by the merged firm; and
- customer switching costs are relatively low.
Accordingly, the ACCC decided not to intervene in the proposed merger.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines. |
|
Closing date for submissions from interested parties. |
|
ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed merger. |