The CMA's Phase 1 investigation revealed that Lindab's acquisition of HAS-Vent, combining two significant players in the circular ducts and fittings market, could lead to reduced competition as the merged entity would dominate around half of the market share in England and Wales.

Lindab, a Swedish ventilation company operating in the UK through Lindab UK and Ductmann, competes closely with HAS-Vent in manufacturing and distributing ventilation system products, including circular ducts and fittings.

The CMA's concerns stem from the potential price increases for installers and contractors in the construction industry, impacting the overall costs of projects like office spaces, schools, and hospitals due to the diminished competition post-merger.

Lindab and HAS-Vent have a limited timeframe to propose remedies that address the CMA's competition worries; otherwise, the deal will undergo a more detailed Phase 2 investigation to assess the implications further.