The UK Competition Commission has sent an issues and remedies letter to chemical giant BASF AG in its inquiry into the acquisition by BASF of certain assets of Takeda Chemical Industries Ltd. An issues letter is always sent before the Competition Commission has reached any conclusions and is designed to highlight those matters which have been identified by the investigating group for further consideration, and to ensure nothing has been missed. The statement of issues and remedies is being made public to inform all interested parties should there be any further points they wish to raise with the Competition Commission within two weeks. Conclusions will not be reached until all issues have been discussed with BASF. Issues to be discussed include: the market definition of vitamin C, vitamin B2 food and pharmaceutical grade; if pre-mixes should be regarded as a separate economic market from individual vitamins or simply as a delivery route for the supply of thoseVitamins; and the effects of the merger on the supply of vitamins. Views are requested by 21 March, and should be addressed to the Reference Secretary, BASF/Takeda merger inquiry, at theCompetition Commission.
