UK Watchdog Says S&P Global, IHS Markit Deal May Harm Competition

By Ian Walker

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday that S&P Global Inc.'s planned $44 billion acquisition of IHS Markit Ltd. could harm competition within its markets and that it is considering whether to accept undertakings from the companies to address this.

The watchdog said it is concerned that the merger could lead to limited competition in a number of commodities markets. Specifically it said the companies have significant combined presence in price assessments of biofuels, coal, oil, and petrochemicals in the U.K.

The parties have until Oct. 26 to offer a solution that the CMA may accept, otherwise the deal will be referred for a further review.

S&P Global in November last year agreed to acquire IHS Markit, in a deal that would combine two of the largest providers of data to Wall Street.

Write to Ian Walker at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

10-19-21 0735ET