# UK CMA raises competition concerns over Liqui-Box acquisition of DS Smith packaging unit

The UK Competition and Markets Authority found in its Phase 1 investigation that Liqui-Box's proposed takeover of DS Smith's rigid and flexible packaging business could reduce competition in Bag-in-Box packaging. The parties must address the concerns or face an in-depth Phase 2 investigation.

- Type: Regulation
- Announced: 2019-07-21
- Where: United Kingdom
- Status: announced
- Products: Bag-in-Box packaging, rigid and flexible packaging
- Sectors: [Packaging](https://endata.com/sectors/packaging.md)

## Companies

- [DS Smith](https://endata.com/companies/221.md) (partner)
- [Competition & Markets Authority](https://endata.com/companies/3070.md) (partner)
- [Liqui-Box](https://endata.com/companies/4721.md) (acquirer)

## Sources

- [packaging-gateway.com](https://www.packaging-gateway.com/news/cma-liqui-box-ds-smith-acquisition/), 2019-07-21: "Liqui-Box's merger with DS Smith could negatively impact food and drink suppliers' packaging if it goes ahead, according to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)."

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Data from Endata (https://endata.com/). Announcements are summarized from public sources and may be incomplete; check the linked originals.