Regulator investigation into door and window manufacturer acquisition

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) watchdog says it has begun investigating the acquisition of a Bradford-based designer, maker and distributor of door and window products.

As reported in September last year, Assa Abloy had struck an agreement to acquire Arran Isle, which employs about 560 people.

Alongside its Bradford headquarters Arran Isle’s operations include manufacturing and distribution sites in the UK, Ireland, Europe and China. It recorded sales of about £100m in 2020.

The group’s Mila’s Maintenance business unit, based in Barnsley, has also been confirmed as due to become part of Assa Abloy’s commercial construction and maintenance sector.

Arran Isle’s shareholders have been advised by Clearwater International.

The CMA says it has launched its probe to determine whether the deal will cause “substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services.”

The body is now inviting comments on the transaction from interested parties until 28 February 2022. It will then decide whether to subject the deal to a more detailed phase two investigation by 11 April.