# CMA dials up probe into Unilever’s $65bn McCormick tie-up

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/cma-dials-up-probe-into-unilevers-65bn-mccormick-tie-up/
- Published: 2026-11-11T11:13:31+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-11T11:20:19+00:00
- Original publisher: City AM (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.cityam.com/cma-dials-up-probe-into-unilevers-65bn-mccormick-tie-up/
- Topics: Americas, Business, Companies, Culture, Food, Markets, Software, Technology, UK, World

## Key points

- UK watchdog warns the deal could weaken competition.
- Dry mixes and sauces are the main concern.
- Companies have until 18 November to offer remedies.

## Summary

The Competition and Markets Authority has escalated its review of Unilever’s $65bn deal to transfer its food business to McCormick, warning that the merger could substantially weaken competition in parts of the UK grocery market. The decision matters because the combined company would bring major branded food suppliers under one roof, and the CMA says it has found little evidence that new or expanding rivals could constrain them.

The regulator has raised particular concerns about dry ingredient mixes and dry sauces, where the merged business would be the largest supplier by a wide margin; it said private-label products and brands such as Maggi and Bisto offer only limited competition. Unilever and McCormick have until 18 November to propose remedies, which could include selling brands. Unilever says the review is an expected step and that a sale process for Colman’s is already under way; the CMA found no realistic competition concerns in mustard.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.