EU Sends Antitrust Objections over MMG's Anglo American Deal

By Edith Hancock

The European Commission sent a statement of objections to MMG regarding its planned $500 million purchase of Anglo American's Brazilian nickel business, saying it may hinder competition for low-carbon ferronickel in the bloc.

The European Union's executive arm said on Wednesday that it was concerned that MMG -- which is majority owned by China Minmetals -- could divert its supplies away from European producers, potentially impacting prices and hampering local stainless steel makers.

The commission noted that CMC is also controlled by the Chinese State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which controls major stainless steel producers of its own.

"We have presented extensive independent evidence to the European Commission that this transaction presents no competition concerns whatsoever, and in fact preserves existing supply in the market, and so it is disappointing that this long process will continue," an Anglo American spokesperson said in a statement. The spokesperson said the company will continue to engage with the regulator. MMG did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The commission opened an in-depth investigation into the deal in November 2025, saying it had concerns it could divert ferronickel supplies away from European markets. It set a Nov. 30 deadline to end its probe.

Write to Edith Hancock at edith.hancock@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

September 16, 2026 16:33 ET (20:33 GMT)