Decision Nº M/04/010 from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 2004-03-08

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Parties: Barclays plc,Dualwise Limited
• Date: 08 March 2004
• Decision Number: M/04/010
• Status: Preliminary investigation (Phase 1)
• Court: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland)
• Decision Date: 08 March 2004

Determination of the Competition Authority

Determination No. M/04/010 of the Competition Authority, dated 8th March

2004, under Section 21 of the Competition Act, 2002

Notification No. M/04/010 – The proposed acquisition by Barclays plc of

Dualwise Limited

Introduction

1. On 9th February 2004 the Competition Authority, in accordance with Section 18

(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 (“the Act”) was notified, on a mandatory basis,

of a proposal whereby Barclays plc (“Barclays”), through its wholly-owned

subsidiary Barclays Private Equity Limited (“BPE”), would acquire Dualwise

Limited (“Dualwise”) (“the proposed acquisition”).

The Parties

2. Barclays, one of the largest financial services groups in the UK, operates in the

banking, investment banking and investment management sectors. It also

provides services to global corporations and financial institutions. Barclays

operates in more than 60 countries and has over 73,600 employees.

Barclays Private Equity Limited (“BPE”), a subsidiary of Barclays, is a leading

European mid-market private equity investment company, presently having

investments in over 300 businesses.

3. Dualwise is the UK-based parent company of the international Deb group of

companies, which manufactures and supplies skincare and surface cleaning

products and systems. The group’s product ranges consist of hand cleaners,

protective creams and lotion soaps, primarily delivered via a range of proprietary

dispensers, and surface cleaning products. These product ranges are sold in the

“away from home” sectors, i.e. the industrial, automotive, commercial and

medical sectors.

Dualwise has no physical presence in Ireland, it sells its products in Northern

Ireland and in the State through independent distributor customers.

Analysis

4. In Ireland, Barclays provides business and personal banking services. Its

subsidiary, Barclays Industrial Development Ltd, holds an investment in Creative

Outsourcing Solutions International Group Ltd (“COSi”). Cosi’s UK subsidiary

contract manufactures personal care and hygiene products, such as hair care

products, bath and shower gels, and associated products, operating as an

outsourcer for brand owners and developers.

Cosi’s product ranges can be clearly distinguished from those of Dualwise

because Cosi’s branded, personal grooming products are supplied to the High

Street retail sector, whereas Dualwise’s skincare and surface cleaning products

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