The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) has fined SIKA International Kes 17.5 million after merging with LSF11 Skyscraper Holdco S.a.r.l without its approval.

In a notice, CAK said the transaction involved Sika International AG (the global acquirer) acquiring direct control of LSF11 Skyscrapper Holdco S.a.r.l. (the global target) and indirect control of Master Builders Solutions Kenya Ltd (the Kenyan target).

Locally, the merger was implemented in May 2023 following the closure of the global transaction.

“Therefore, the transaction qualified as a merger within the meaning of section 2 and 41 of the Competition Act CAP 504 of the Laws of Kenya. The Competition Act stipulates that a merger, or takeover, may occur when an undertaking directly or indirectly acquires control over another business within Kenya.”

“This may happen through, among others, purchase/lease of shares, exchange of shares, or vertical integration,” the notice further read.

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As per the Act, “any person who implements a merger without approval commits an offense and shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine not exceeding ten million shillings, or both.”

Alternatively, the Authority may “impose a financial penalty in an amount not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the preceding year’s gross annual turnover in Kenya of the undertaking or undertakings in question.”

However, CAK approved the merger after the parties self-reported the deal to it.

“With regard to mitigating factors, one major main consideration was cooperation. The Authority took note that the parties proactively reported the nonconformance, furnished the Authority with all information regarding the acquisition, and cooperated to reach a settlement on the matter,” CAK continued.

Sika International  supplies chemical admixtures, concrete, sealants, bonding, building finishing, refurbishment, industrial flooring, and roofing and waterproofing systems.

Similarly, Skyscraper Holdco is a holding company incorporated in Luxembourg and controls MBS Kenya, which manufactures construction chemicals categorized under two business lines: concrete production and application and performance flooring.