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Phase 2

The phase 2 investigation is being conducted under the CMAs new merger process, which applies to cases opened since 25 April 2024.

Administrative timetable

Contact

Case team email: gxo.wincanton@cma.gov.uk

Inquiry Group appointed

14 November 2024: The CMA has appointed the following inquiry group:

• Richard Feasey (Chair)

• Jo Armstrong

• Robin Foster

• Sir Kenneth Parker

Terms of reference

14 November 2024: The CMA has referred the completed acquisition by GXO Logistics, Inc. of Wincanton plc for an in-depth investigation.

• Terms of reference (PDF, 101KB) (14.11.24)

Phase 1

Statutory timetable

Reference decision

14 November 2024: The CMA has referred the completed acquisition by GXO Logistics, Inc. of Wincanton plc for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.

• Decision to refer (PDF, 134KB) (14.11.24)

Reference unless undertakings accepted

1 November 2024: The CMA has decided, on the evidence currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for an in-depth, phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer an acceptable undertaking to address these competition concerns.

The full text of the decision will be published in due course.

• Summary of phase 1 decision (PDF, 115KB) (1.11.24)
• Press release: Logistics deal could raise prices for business customers in the UK (1.11.24)

Launch of the merger inquiry

6 September 2024: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement notice (PDF, 91KB) (6.9.24)

Invitation to comment: closed 20 September 2024

The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this merger has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the merger from any interested party.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Contact details for submitting responses are set out in the invitation to comment below.

• Invitation to comment (PDF, 116KB) (6.9.24)

Initial enforcement order

26 April 2024: The Competition and Markets Authority has served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on GXO Logistics, Inc, International Venture Holdings Limited (England and Wales), and Wincanton Plc.

• Initial enforcement order (PDF, 176KB) (8.5.24)

Amendments / consents granted

• Derogation 26 April 2024 (PDF, 164KB) (8.5.24)
• Derogation 7 May 2024 (PDF, 128KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 20 May 2024 (PDF, 135KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 20 May 2024 (PDF, 124KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 20 May 2024 (PDF, 138KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 20 May 2024 (PDF, 135KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 24 May 2024 (PDF, 116KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 30 May 2024 (PDF, 138KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 31 May 2024 (PDF, 117KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 4 June 2024 (PDF, 117KB) (26.6.24)
• Derogation 6 June 2024 (PDF, 133KB) (26.9.24)
• Derogation 13 June 2024 (PDF, 134KB) (26.9.24)
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