McCormick’s $44.8 bn acquisition of Unilever’s food business clears U.S. antitrust review
The Federal Trade Commission granted early termination of the Hart‑Scott‑Rodino waiting period for McCormick’s proposed purchase of Unilever’s food business, removing the U.S. antitrust hurdle. The deal, valued at $44.8 billion, would create a combined “flavor‑led” company with an enterprise value of about $65 billion. The transaction now awaits a Phase 1 decision from the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority, due by 11 Nov. 2026. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for closer scrutiny of the merger’s competitive impact.
Why it matters
The FTC’s clearance allows the parties to move forward with integration plans in the United States, but the pending U.K. review means the deal could still be delayed or conditioned, affecting the timing of any synergies and the share price of both companies.
Key facts
- 1The FTC granted early termination of the antitrust waiting period on Oct 5, 2026. foodnavigator.com
- 2McCormick’s proposed acquisition price is $44.8 billion. foodnavigator.com
- 3The combined entity would have an enterprise value of about $65 billion. foodnavigator.com
- 4The U.K. CMA’s Phase 1 review deadline is Nov 11, 2026. foodnavigator.com
- 5Senator Elizabeth Warren sent a letter on Oct 5, 2026, urging closer scrutiny of the deal. foodnavigator.com
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 3 of 3 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.