Slovakia: Ireland-based Kingspan has stopped an attempt to buy Trimo due to difficulties obtaining approval from the European Commission. Regulatory approval failed to arrive before a deadline set in August 2020 when Kingspan and Polish private equity fund Innova Capital signed a contract for the sale, according to the Finance newspaper and the Slovenian Press Agency. During its investigation the commission expressed concerns that the acquisition could reduce competition and lead to price rises in several countries. It added that the acquisition would have created the largest supplier of mineral wool sandwich panels in Europe.
Trimo was acquired by Innova Capital in 2016. It produces mineral wool sandwich panels and is reportedly the second largest seller of the products in Europe with a 10% market share. It operates production plants in Slovenia and Serbia and most sells panels in Europe. Innova Capital is expected to select a new buyer for Trimo.