By JOHANNESBURG — The Competition Commission of South Africa has green lit a wave of high-profile domestic and international corporate transactions following its ordinary meeting on 8 September 2026.
Ranging from global chemical takeovers to local manufacturing consolidation, the latest batch of decisions underscores the regulator’s dual focus on preserving market competitiveness while aggressively safeguarding public interest commitments, including employment security and local procurement.
Akzo Nobel and Axalta Deal Cleared with Conditions
Among the most complex transactions reviewed is the acquisition of Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. by Dutch multinational Akzo Nobel N.V. The merger brings together two major players in the paints and coatings industry. While Axalta operates locally through Axalta Coating Systems South Africa and holds a joint venture (Plascon Proprietary Limited) with Kansai Plascon Africa Limited, the Commission determined that structural safeguards were necessary.
To mitigate competition concerns, the merging entities have agreed to strict governance conditions aimed at preserving the joint venture’s independence and preventing the exchange of competitively sensitive information. On the public interest front, Akzo and Axalta committed to an employment moratorium, maintaining local production capabilities, executing targeted capital investments, and scaling up local skills development initiatives.
Flo-Tek Expands Footprint via Marley Holdings
In the domestic manufacturing and infrastructure sector, the Commission approved Flo-Tek Industries’ acquisition of Marley Holdings Proprietary Limited, subject to conditions. Botswana-incorporated Flo-Tek Industries specializes in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipes and fittings.
Marley Holdings, a wholly owned subsidiary of Glynwed Overseas Holdings, manufactures PVC pipes and fittings primarily serving the plumbing, drainage, and agricultural sectors.
Finding no substantial lessening of competition, the Commission nevertheless imposed binding public interest requirements. These include a strict moratorium on merger-specific retrenchments, a mandate to protect local manufacturing capacity, and structured procurement quotas prioritizing historically disadvantaged persons (HDPs) and small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs).
Global Paper and Industrial Mergers Given Unconditional Approval
Several major international transactions sailed through without regulatory hurdles after the Commission found they posed no threat to local competition or public interest:
- UPM and Sappi Joint Venture: The Commission recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve the unconditional establishment of a joint venture combining the European and American communication (graphic) paper operations of UPM-Kymmene Corporation and Sappi Limited. Given Sappi’s extensive Southern African manufacturing footprint and UPM’s global reach, the regulator concluded the structural realignment would not adversely affect local markets.
- Foxtrott and Flender: German-incorporated investment vehicle Foxtrott BidCo GmbH received unconditional approval to acquire wind-turbine component and industrial gear manufacturer Flender Group GmbH. The Commission noted the transaction raises no significant domestic competition or public interest flags.
- RTT and Ubusisiwe: Rema Tip Top Holding South Africa (RTT) has been cleared to acquire industrial conveyor belt manufacturer and service provider Ubusisiwe Ukuphila, cementing its footprint in local industrial maintenance ecosystems.
Non-Referrals Dismissed
In addition to merger determinations, the Commission reviewed and dismissed a series of non-referral complaints, finding no contraventions of the Competition Act (Act No. 89 of 1998). These included grievances lodged against public entities and private businesses, such as Abbey Tshephe’s complaint against the Northwest Department of Health, a dispute involving Takealot brought by Kavi Pitampersad, and matters concerning the Compensation Fund and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment.
The robust conditions attached to industrial acquisitions highlight the Commission’s unwavering stance: foreign investment and corporate restructuring are welcome, provided they tangibly benefit South Africa’s workforce and local supply chains.
