Unilever's planned $65 billion merger of its foods business with US spice maker McCormick could weaken competition in the UK, Britain's competition watchdog said on Wednesday 11 November 2026. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said the deal raised concerns in dry ingredients and mixed sauces, and it will order an in-depth investigation unless the companies offer remedies by 18 November. ## What the watchdog found The CMA said the combination could substantially reduce competition in the UK, according to [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/unilever-mccormick-food-deal-may-weaken-uk-competition-watchdog-says-2026-11-11/). The regulator is considering whether to accept undertakings from the companies to address its concerns, giving them until 18 November to submit proposals, the [London Stock Exchange briefing](https://www.lse.co.uk/news/london-briefing-unilever-faces-cma-concerns-metlen-plans-arm-ipo-nyysex2x4nzi9fa.html) reported. ## A record food deal Unilever announced in March 2026 that it would combine its foods business with McCormick, the maker of Frank's RedHot sauce and French's mustard, to create a company worth around $65 billion. It was described as the second-largest food sector deal on record. Unilever owns Hellmann's mayonnaise and Knorr bouillon, brands found in kitchens across the UK. ## What happens next If the companies offer acceptable remedies, the CMA can clear the deal without a full Phase 2 inquiry. If not, the merger faces months of detailed scrutiny, and the timetable for completion, expected around mid-2027, could slip. For shoppers, the case matters because the brands involved compete directly on supermarket shelves, and the watchdog's job is to make sure a merger does not leave consumers paying more for less choice.