JFTC Reviews the Proposed Acquisition through Absorption-type Company Split of Polypropylene and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Manufacturing and Sales Business of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED by Prime Polymer Co., Ltd.

April 24, 2026
Japan Fair Trade Commission

　The Japan Fair Trade Commission (hereinafter referred to as the “JFTC”), after receiving the notification of the planned absorption-type company split, has reviewed the proposed acquisition by Prime Polymer Co., Ltd. (JCN 4010401057155) (hereinafter referred to as “Prime Polymer”) of the polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene manufacturing and sales business of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED (JCN 2010001071327) (hereinafter referred to as “SUMITOMO CHEMICAL”), and reached the conclusion that the transaction would not substantially restrain competition in any particular fields of trade. Accordingly, the JFTC notified Prime Polymer and SUMITOMO CHEMICAL that it would not issue a cease and desist order, and closed its review.

Ⅰ. Overview of the Transaction

　Prime Polymer, a joint venture between Mitsui Chemicals, Inc. and Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Idemitsu Kosan”), which engages in the manufacture and sales of polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene, plans to acquire, through an absorption-type company split, the polypropylene and linear low-density polyethylene manufacturing and sales business of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL. In exchange, SUMITOMO CHEMICAL will acquire shares of Prime Polymer, and Prime Polymer will become a joint venture between Mitsui Chemicals, Idemitsu Kosan, and SUMITOMO CHEMICAL.

Ⅱ. Reviewing Process

･ November 25, 2025: The JFTC received the notification regarding the proposed transaction (the commencement of the primary review).
･ December 25, 2025: The JFTC requested reports, etc. (the start of the secondary review).
･ April 2, 2026: The JFTC received all the requested reports (the due date for comments was set on July 2, 2026).
･ April 24, 2026: The JFTC notified the parties of its decision not to issue a cease and desist order

Ⅲ. Conclusion

　The JFTC concluded that the proposed transaction would not substantially restrain competition in any particular fields of trade.


＊This announcement is a tentative translation.
Please refer to the original text written in Japanese for more details.

JFTC Reviews the Proposed Acquisition through Absorption-type Company Split of Polypropylene and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene Manufacturing and Sales Business of SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY, LIMITED by Prime Polymer Co., Ltd.(1 KB)