Antitrust regulators in the European Union are opening a full investigation into the Dow-DuPont proposed $130 billion merger. The regulators say the deal may reduce competition in crop protection and seed markets. The European Commission said the merger may also hurt innovation, according to Reuters. The merger would create the world’s largest integrated crop protection and seeds company. One EU Commissioner said of the investigation that “we need to make sure the proposed merger does not lead to higher prices.” The regulators have delayed a final decision until December 20th. Both Dow and DuPont said the companies would work with the Commission to address its concerns. Both still expect the deal to close by the end of this year.
From the National Association of Farm Broadcasting news service.