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Olin and Huntsman clear key antitrust hurdle in planned merger
The planned merger between chemical manufacturers Olin and Huntsman has passed a significant regulatory milestone in the United States. The expiration of the waiting period under the HSR Act clears one of the key conditions required before the transaction can close.
Olin and Huntsman have announced that the mandatory waiting period under the US Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 (HSR Act) has expired in connection with their pending merger. The expiration satisfies one of the key closing conditions for the transaction, which is described as a merger of equals. The HSR Act provides the US Department of Justice and the US Federal Trade Commission with the opportunity to review and, if necessary, challenge mergers that could harm competition prior to completion.
The two chemical manufacturers had previously announced that shareholders of both companies overwhelmingly approved the transaction on 25 August 2026. Closing of the merger remains subject to the satisfaction of additional customary closing conditions, including the receipt of further regulatory approvals, which are reported to be underway.
Combined entity to operate under new name
Following the close of the transaction, the combined organisation will be renamed OlinHuntsman. According to the announcement, the merged entity will benefit from enhanced scale, scope, and expanded chlorine optionality, enabling it to create value across markets and cycles.
Olin is a vertically integrated global manufacturer and distributor of chemical products and a manufacturer of ammunition in the United States. Huntsman is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of diversified chemical products.
