Elis S.A. withdraws plan to acquire O.C.L. Laundry Services following CCPC investigation

Following a detailed Phase 2 investigation by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) which identified preliminary competition concerns, Elis S.A. has withdrawn its proposal to acquire O.C.L. Laundry Services Limited. 

This proposed transaction (M/25/050) was notified to the CCPC on 15 August 2025. Following a preliminary examination, the CCPC announced an in-depth investigation on 16 December 2025 to establish whether the proposed transaction will result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State.

 On 27 March 2026 the CCPC issued a detailed assessment which outlined the CCPC’s preliminary concerns that the proposed acquisition may substantially lessen competition which could lead to higher prices, lower quality, and reduced innovation in the market for the provision of flat linen, rental and maintenance services in the State. 

The parties proposed remedies for consideration on 13 May 2026. However these were ultimately rejected by the CCPC, which determined that they were not capable of addressing the CCPC’s potential competition concerns. On 18 June 2026, the parties announced that they were withdrawing from the proposed transaction. 

Geoffrey Gray, Commission Member of the CCPC, said: 

“The CCPC carried out a detailed, evidence-based review of this proposed transaction, including extensive engagement with the parties and third parties. Over the course of that process, we provisionally identified significant concerns that the merger could lead to higher prices, lower quality and reduced innovation in the flat linen rental and maintenance market. 

“The remedies proposed by the parties were also not sufficient to adequately address these concerns. The transaction has now been abandoned which ensures competition, tourism and the Irish economy are not harmed.  

“The CCPC will continue to thoroughly scrutinise mergers which may impact competition and ensure that markets continue to deliver value and choice for businesses and consumers.” 

The CCPC will now close its investigation into the proposed transaction and no determination will be issued.