Konecranes and Cargotec seeks to satisfy competition concerns

Konecranes and Cargotec have submitted commitments to the European Commission to satisfy competition concerns related to the companies’ merger.

Konecranes and Cargotec have continued an active dialogue and cooperation with the relevant competition authorities and have been considering ways to mitigate the concerns raised by the competition authorities to secure approvals to complete their merger.

A remedy package submitted to the European Commission (EC) comprises a commitment to divest Konecranes’ Lift Truck business and Cargotec’s Kalmar Automation Solutions. The proposed divestitures would eliminate overlaps between the parties’ container handling equipment businesses but allow the combined company (the ‘Future Company’) to combine others and continue to be a strong player in all aspects in container handling equipment. Konecranes and Cargotec understand that the EC will now examine the proposed remedy package and may conduct a customary market testing.

Konecranes and Cargotec are confident that the proposed remedies appropriately address the concerns raised by the EC. Should clearance be obtained based on the offered remedy package, the merger would proceed comprising of Konecranes’ Industrial Equipment and Service businesses as currently operated, Cargotec’s MacGregor and Hiab businesses as currently operated as well as the operations of Konecranes’ Port Solutions and Cargotec’s Kalmar businesses other than the areas subject to remedy discussions. Konecranes and Cargotec are confident that the Future Company will create customer value within container handling industry with its wide product and lifecycle service offering, as well as development and innovation capabilities.

The divestments, if made in line with the proposed commitments, will not change the industrial logic behind the combination of Konecranes and Cargotec. The Companies will announce the expected high-level financial impact of the proposed remedies once information is available on the exact scope and possible ancillary arrangements relating to the possible remedy divestments in due course.

The final decision on possible divestitures of any businesses as well as possible terms and conditions thereof will be confirmed only after the EC’s review and market testing process, as well as further proceedings with the other competent authorities. The possible divestitures are further subject to various local legal requirements. Konecranes and Cargotec have started an assessment of possible external buyers in order to identify the best alternatives to satisfy the authorities’ requests and to support the future development of these businesses.

Konecranes and Cargotec remain confident that the merger will be completed by the end of H1/2022. Until all merger closing conditions are met and the transaction completed, both companies continue to operate fully separately and independently.