EC clears acquisition of stake in Univar by CD&R

BRUSSELS, Nov. 26, 2010 (Press Release) - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation a proposed concentration between CD&R, CVC and Univar in the area of chemical distribution. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.

Clayton, Dubilier & Rice ("CD&R") and CVC Capital Partners, both of the USA, are private equity investment groups. Univar (USA) is active in the distribution of chemical products and services, mainly in Europe and North-America. Currently, Univar is controlled by CVC. The operation involves the acquisition by CD&R of shares and ultimately of joint control in Univar.

The concentration does not raise any competition concerns. While CD&R has portfolio companies which buy chemicals from distributors such as Univar, there is no risk of input or customer foreclosure due to the nature of the vertical links.

The transaction was notified to the Commission on 19 October 2010. More information on the case will be available at:

http://europa.eu.int/comm/competition/mergers/cases/index/m83.html#m_6012