Gildan, HanesBrands have product overlaps, but also viable antitrust defenses
By Ilana Kowarski ( September 22, 2025, 18:41 GMT | Comment) -- Clothing manufacturer Gildan Activewear’s proposed buyout of rival HanesBrands would unify two key global suppliers of affordable, neutral fashion essentials — creating numerous product overlaps for competition authorities to examine. However, the merging parties are likely to argue that entry barriers in their sector are low and that they face significant competitive pressure from other low-end and mid-tier apparel makers.Clothing manufacturer Gildan Activewear’s proposed buyout of rival HanesBrands would unify two key global suppliers of affordable, neutral fashion essentials — creating numerous product overlaps for competition authorities to examine. However, the merging parties are likely to argue that entry barriers in their sector are low and that they face significant competitive pressure from other low-end and mid-tier apparel makers....
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