Saferoad withdraws merger

Saferoad has informed the Norwegian Competition Authority that the company is withdrawing the notification of the merger between Saferoad Holding AS and Ze Bra Holding AS. Both companies are engaged in road markings. 

The merger was notified to the Norwegian Competition Authority on 9 October 2024. On 13 November 2024, the companies were notified that the Norwegian Competition Authority was considering blocking the merger through a so-called 25-day notice. 

The Competition Authority’s assessment in the notification was that the merger would have led to a reduced number of bidders in a market where Saferoad was already the largest player. Among other things, the Authority was concerned that the parties could exercise significant market power after an acquisition.   

– The reason for the Competition Authority’s notification was that the acquisition would have led to Saferoad’s already strong position in the market being further strengthened. Our assessment was that the acquisition could have reduced competition in the market for road markings in Norway, which could have led to higher prices for both public and private customers. We now take note of the fact that Saferoad has chosen to withdraw the original announcement of the acquisition of Ze Bra,” says acting Director General Gjermund Nese.