• The UOKiK has commenced the second phase of the proceedings concerning the takeover of control over the Silikaty Group by H+H Polska.
• It has been determined that conducting a market analysis is necessary in order to continue the proceedings.
• The commencement of the second phase of the proceedings is by no means determinative of the ruling which may be given in the future.

 The application for approval of the takeover of control over H+H Polska by the Silikaty Group was received by the UOKiK in July 2017. Both participants of the contemplated transaction engage in the manufacture of construction materials such as silicate products and aerated concrete. Both companies operate manufacturing plants located in Poland.

The proceedings have now entered the second phase. The UOKiK shall conduct market testing in order to verify the data provided by the entity submitting the concentration notice as well as the opinions expressed, among others, by the entities doing business with the companies which are about to merge. Most of the reservations expressed by the entities in question pertained to the risks associated with an increase in the price of various wall cladding products as well as with the possible restriction of competition. 

The commencement of the second stage of the proceedings is by no means determinative of the ruling which may be given in the future. The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection may express his conditional or unconditional approval for the concentration or, alternatively, may prohibit such transaction altogether.

Additional information

Pursuant to the amended act on competition and consumer protection, proceedings pertaining to concentration consist of two stages. The first stage of the proceedings takes up to one month; however, in particularly complex cases where there is a probability of a significant restriction of competition or where market testing needs to be carried out, such proceedings may also last longer.

Additional information for the media:

UOKiK Press Office 
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warsaw
Phone: 695 902 088
E-mail: [SCODE]Yml1cm9wcmFzb3dlQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]

Twitter: @UOKiKgovPL