Diageo : UK Watchdog Won't Refer Diageo's Chase Distillery Acquisition for Further Review

By Ian Walker

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday that it won't refer Diageo PLC's planned acquisition of Chase Distillery (Holdings) Ltd., for a further review.

The regulator said last month that it was inviting comments from interested parties on Diageo's proposed acquisition ahead of a formal investigation into the deal.

It said at the time that it was considering whether the deal would lead to a lessening of competition within the U.K.

Diageo, the world's largest liquor maker--which owns Johnnie Walker whisky and Tanqueray gin--said last October that it was buying Chase Distillery, the owner of Chase GB Gin and the Chase Original Potato Vodka.

It said at the time that the deal was expected to close in early 2021, subject to regulatory clearances.

Write to Ian Walker at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

02-11-21 0229ET