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The CMA has decided that Hunter Douglas, owner of online blinds retailer Blinds2Go, must sell the majority of its shares in 247 to protect competition and prevent higher prices.

Hunter Douglas originally purchased a minority stake in 247 Home Furnishings (247) in 2013 and subsequently bought the remaining 51% in 2019. Hunter Douglas is a leading global supplier of a range of window coverings such as blinds and curtains, which generated $3.6 billion in sales in 2018. It owns established online and in-store UK brands, Blinds2Go and Hillarys. 247 operates solely online in the UK.

Following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided that Hunter Douglas must sell the 51% share in 247 that it acquired in 2019. The merger would result in a reduction from 3 to 2 large firms in the market for online sales of made to measure blinds, with few effective alternative providers remaining after the merger. The evidence obtained by the CMA during its investigation showed that other online rivals are much smaller and that competition from other retail channels and alternative products is limited.

The CMA has found that the 2019 share acquisition would give Hunter Douglas full control to coordinate prices across Blinds2Go and 247.

Evidence obtained directly from other companies showed that any growth in market share by existing rivals was likely to be limited and effective entry by new rivals in this market is unlikely.

As the independent group of CMA panel members found that competition concerns arise as a result of Hunter Douglas holding 100% of the shares in 247, they have concluded that requiring Hunter Douglas to sell 51% of its shares in 247 is an effective way to offset the loss of competition from the 2019 transaction. The CMA will have full oversight of the sales process and will be required to approve potential buyers.

Kirstin Baker, Inquiry Group Chair, said:

We have carried out a full and rigorous investigation and considered all of the available evidence to reach our conclusion that this merger will result in a loss of competition, leaving people facing higher prices for custom blinds or lower quality products.

Focusing on online competition, we have concluded that this merger will leave the merged company with few significant competitors for online made-to-measure blinds. Following careful consideration, we are taking actions to protect consumers in the long term.

For more information, visit the Hunter Douglas N.V. / 247 Home Furnishings Ltd merger inquiry web page.

For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.