CCP Approves CCP-LCO₂ Plant Acquisition by Pak Arab Fert

The (CCP) has approved the proposed acquisition of the liquid carbon dioxide (LCO₂) plant of Pakistan Oxygen Limited by Pak Arab Fertilizers Limited. The approval was granted following a Phase-I review under the Competition Act, 2010.

Pak Arab Fertilizers Limited submitted a pre-merger application to the Commission seeking approval for the Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 4, 2026. Following competition assessment, the CCP authorized the transaction under Section 31 of the Act.

The merger involves the acquisition of a specific production asset and constitutes a horizontal merger, as both parties operate within the same relevant market. However, the resulting increase in market share would be limited and would not materially alter competitive conditions in the market.

No evidence was found to suggest that the acquisition would substantially lessen competition or create or strengthen a dominant position. The CCP concluded that the transaction does not create or strengthen a dominant position within the meaning of the Competition Act, 2010, and granted approval under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Act.

This decision reflects the CCP’s commitment to facilitating legitimate business transactions while ensuring competition, market efficiency, and consumer welfare remain protected.