CMA launches Sauflon merger inquiry

Coopervision’s completed acquisition of Sauflon Pharmaceuticals is being assessed by The Competition and Markets Authority, a statement said.

The UK government body said it was considering whether the transaction had resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002. If so, it will establish whether this resulted in a ‘substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services’, the statement added.

A merger inquiry was launched last week with a phase 1 decision expected on December 5.

A spokesperson for CooperVision said: ‘As part of the process, integration activity has been postponed until this inquiry is complete. Both companies will continue to serve customers independently during this time period with limited exception. CooperVision remains confident that the transaction will be approved by the CMA.’