Partner Article

Epwin and Latium merger referred to Competition Commission

The completed acquisition by Epwin Holdings Limited of Latium Building Products Holdings Limited has been referred to the Competition Commission by the Office for Fair Trading.

Cheltenham-based building products supplier, The Epwin Group had acquired window manufacturer, but the deal has been referred amid concerns it could lead to price increases.

In a statement from the OFT, it says evidence gathered indicates the two companies were close competitors before the merger, and post-merger they will be leading suppliers in PVC roofline products.

Ali Nikpay, OFT Senior Director and Decision Maker in this case said: “We are concerned that the merger will reduce the competitive options for roofers, builders and independent stockists and could lead to price increases.

“We therefore believe that our duty to refer the merger to the Competition Commission has been triggered in this case.”

The businesses had merged in January in a deal that represented a major move for the UK building products industry.

In a statement issues earlier this year, Jim Rawsom, chairman of Epwin Holdings, said: “We don’t expect any significant changes to the operational structure of Group businesses in the medium term – this is very much business as usual for customers, employees and suppliers.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .