CMA Invites Comments on Vivisol and Air Liquide Merger Inquiry

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated the preliminary phase of its inquiry into the merger between Vivisol and Air Liquide's home oxygen services. The CMA is currently inviting comments from interested parties on how the merger might affect competition in the UK. While the formal investigation has not begun, this initial step is crucial for gathering information.

Invitation to Comment

The CMA's 'invitation to comment' phase allows stakeholders to submit their views on the potential competitive impacts of the Vivisol and Air Liquide merger. The CMA has set a deadline from 11 August 2026 to late September 2026 for submissions. This phase represents the first step in the Authority's information-gathering process.

Interested parties are encouraged to send their written representations regarding any competition issues to [email protected]. The CMA uses these inputs to inform their assessments and eventual decisions on the matter.

Pre-Notification Stage

Vivisol and Air Liquide have submitted all required information to the CMA for the pre-notification stage. This stage involves examining the transaction's details and preparing for the formal inquiry stages. The CMA is actively seeking public insights during this stage to assist in shaping its focus.

Data Privacy and Protection

In the course of its inquiry, the CMA processes personal data in compliance with data protection laws. The personal data submitted, including names and contact details, will be managed according to the CMA's privacy guidelines. This ensures that any additional support or information from contributors can be accessed as needed under the Enterprise Act 2002.

For more details on how your data is processed and your rights concerning that data, refer to the CMA's Privacy Notice.

Looking Ahead

While the exact timeline for the CMA's formal Phase 1 decision remains unspecified, these preparatory steps highlight the Authority’s approach to monitoring significant mergers in the UK market closely. This inquiry is critical for maintaining fair competition, particularly in vital services such as home oxygen provision.

Public participation is key, and the CMA continues to welcome perspectives from diverse stakeholders, including competitors, customers, and other market participants.