LB Group / Venator UK (TiO2 assets) merger inquiry
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is seeking views on the anticipated acquisition by LB Group Co., Ltd of titanium dioxide (TiO2) business-related assets of Venator Materials UK Limited (in administration).
Statutory timetable
| Phase 1 | Action |
|---|---|
| TBC | Deadline for phase 1 decision |
| TBC | Launch of merger inquiry |
| 20 January 2026 to 3 February 2026 | Invitation to comment (*) |
(*) The CMA is inviting comments from any interested party. This case page will be updated when the CMA formally commences its phase 1 investigation.
Phase 1
Invitation to comment: closes 3 February 2026
20 January 2026: The CMA is issuing this ‘invitation to comment’ to allow interested parties to submit to the CMA any initial views on the impact that the transaction could have on competition in the UK. The CMA has not yet launched its formal investigation into this transaction. This invitation to comment is the first part of the CMA’s information-gathering process.
As part of the transaction, LB Group Co., Ltd will acquire Venator Materials UK Limited‘s (in administration) titanium dioxide (TiO2) manufacturing site at Greatham, UK and related assets used in the production and supply of TiO2.
Written representations about any competition issues should be provided by the deadline set out above.
Pre-notification
The CMA has received the necessary information from the parties to commence pre-notification.
Contact
Please send written representations about any competition issues to: lbgroup.venator@cma.gov.uk
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