CCP Clears Lotte group’s global restructuring involving Pakistan operations

ISLAMABAD, JULY 13, 2026: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved a pre-merger application paving the way for an internal restructuring within the South Korean Lotte Group.

The transaction primarily involves Japan's Lotte Co., Ltd acquiring shareholding in Singapore-based Lotte Confectionery (S.E.A.) Pte. Ltd. from Lotte Wellfood Co., Ltd. 

Since the target company, i.e; Lotte Confectionary of Singapore owns interests in Pakistan's Lotte Kolson and Lotte Akhtar Beverages, the share acquisition required prior clearance from the CCP under the Competition Act, 2010.

Following a Phase-I competition assessment, the Commission concluded that the transaction is purely a change in ownership within the Lotte Group and will not alter market structure or competitive dynamics in Pakistan.

The Commission noted that the acquiring company does not conduct confectionery or food business in Pakistan. Consequently, the transaction will neither increase market concentration nor create or strengthen a dominant position in any of the relevant product markets.

The CCP assessed competition across the markets for pasta, gum, savoury snacks, sweet biscuits, cakes, and beverages, with Pakistan identified as the relevant geographic market. The review found that the market shares of Lotte Kolson and Lotte Akhtar Beverages would remain unchanged following the transaction, with no adverse effects on competition.

Accordingly, the Commission authorized the acquisition under Section 31(1)(d)(i) of the Competition Act, 2010, concluding that the transaction would not result in a substantial lessening of competition.

The decision reflects the CCP's commitment to facilitating investment, corporate restructuring and business expansion through efficient merger review. By providing timely regulatory certainty for transactions that do not raise competition concerns, the Commission supports ease of doing business while continuing to safeguard competitive markets.