The companies, which expect to close their transaction in 2027, are already looking to sell Colman's mustard "to address potential competition concerns."
The U.K.'s competition regulator has opened an investigation into whether the proposed $44.8 billion merger between McCormick & Co. and Unilever's food division would violate antitrust law.
The Competition and Markets Authority, which launched the probe on Wednesday, set a Nov. 11 deadline to issue its so-called Phase 1 decision. If the regulator has concerns, it could launch a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation.
Unilever and McCormick declined to comment on the investigation.
McCormick announced an agreement in March to buy the majority of Unilever's food business, including Hellmann's mayonnaise and Knorr sauces. The deal, expected to be completed by mid-2027, is set to significantly expand McCormick's international reach and create a global condiments and ingredients giant.
In addition to its spice and flavorings business, McCormick owns its namesake mayonnaise, Cholula and Frank's hot sauces, French's mustard and Cattleman's barbecue sauces.
Unilever has taken steps to try and avoid antitrust scrutiny over the deal ...