• UOKiK has initiated the second stage of proceedings regarding cosmetic market.
• The proceedings concern the company Sarantis taking over part of the property of two companies, namely PZ Cussons (International) and PZ Cussons Polska.
• Thereupon, it is necessary to conduct market analysis.

The concentration participants deal with the production and distribution of personal care products. The Sarantis Group sells products belonging to 80 brands, including STR8, Kolastyna, Jan Niezbędny. In Poland, this group mainly sells bar soaps, shower gels, deodorants, perfumes, detergents and household products. Part of the property purchased by Sarantis belongs to two companies, i.e. PZ Cussons (International) and PZ Cussons Polska, which both conduct similar business activity; in addition, they offer electrical appliances and food products. In Poland, they are known mainly under such brand names as Luksja, Carex and Morning Fresh. Sarantis intends to buy from both companies some of the property related to marketing and sales of Luksja products.

Thereupon, it is necessary to analyse the Polish bar soap market and verify data provided by Sarantis in the application for consent to the transaction. The analysis will cover, in particular, competitors and contractors of the concentration participants in this market.

The commencement of the second stage of the proceeding does not affect a decision to be made in the future. The President of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection may give its consent (unconditional or conditional) to concentration or prohibit it. At this stage, the company may also withdraw the application. Pursuant to antitrust law, in such a situation UOKiK will obligatorily discontinue the proceedings and the notified concentration will not take effect.

Additional information

Pursuant to the Act on Competition and Consumer Protection, proceedings regarding concentration are two-stage. The first stage takes up to a month. However, in particularly complex cases, where there is a likelihood of a significant restriction of competition or where market research is requires, the proceedings may take more time.

The UOKiK website provides information on all antitrust proceedings regarding concentration conducted by the Office. Further information on the principles behind concentration can be found in a special report.

Additional information for the media:

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