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The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun its Phase 1 inquiry into McCormick & Co’s acquisition of Unilever’s food business.
The competition watchdog announced it would be reviewing the merger in July, inviting interested parties to submit comments regarding any competition issues that could arise from the deal.
Following this, the regulator has now announced it will progress with a Phase 1 investigation, commencing today (17 September 2026).
Unilever and McCormick announced the merger agreement in March this year, a deal that values Unilever’s food business at over $44 billion.
Once completed, the proposed deal would see Unilever separate its food division – which includes legacy brands such as Marmite and Horlicks – and merge it with US-headquartered McCormick.
The deal forms part of Unilever’s strategy to streamline its portfolio and focus on high-growth product categories.
Last month, Unilever confirmed it is seeking a buyer for its Colman’s mustard brand as it looks to address competition concerns surrounding the merger – McCormick already owns global leading mustard brand French’s.
The CMA will announce its decision on whether the merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation by 11 November.
