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Mitsui, Idemitsu, Sumitomo plastics integration faces in-depth antitrust review in Japan

( December 25, 2025, 07:23 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: Plans by major Japanese chemical companies to integrate parts of their plastics businesses are facing an in-depth antitrust review. The Japan Fair Trade Commission on Thursday said it has opened a Phase II investigation into a proposal for Prime Polymer — a joint venture between Mitsui Chemicals and Idemitsu Kosan — to absorb Sumitomo Chemical’s polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene operations. The JFTC received the filing on Nov. 25 and has invited third-party comments until Jan. 26 to continue the probe further. Under the plan, Prime Polymer’s ownership would shift from 65 percent Mitsui and 35 percent Idemitsu to 52 percent Mitsui, 28 percent Idemitsu and 20 percent Sumitomo. This is the first Phase II merger review opened by the JFTC since June 2021, when it probed GlobalWafers’ proposed acquisition of Siltronic.The statement is attached....

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