EU Poised to Launch In-Depth Antitrust Probe Into Saipem-Subsea7 Merg…

The EU is moving Saipem and Subsea7's €43bn-backlog merger into Phase II antitrust review, citing concerns that the combination could reduce competition in offshore engineering and subsea services markets. Regulators in Brazil, Australia and the EU are all scrutinising the deal; Brazil has approved it but faces legal challenges from Exxon Mobil, Petrobras and TechnipFMC. If you supply specialised vessels, subsea umbilicals, or offshore construction kit to Saipem or Subsea7, the EU is about to force one of them to divest assets or capacity—and you now have a clear window to pitch as the buyer of those stranded assets or as an alternative supplier to their customers.