Olin, Huntsman Merger of Equals Clears U.S. Antitrust Hurdle

Olin Corporation (OLN) and Huntsman Corporation (HUN) have cleared the U.S. Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust waiting period for their all-stock merger of equals, removing a key regulatory hurdle for the deal targeting first-half 2027 completion.

The combined entity, to be named OlinHuntsman Corporation, is projected to deliver over $400 million in cost synergies and $125 million in cash tax benefits. The clearance marks significant progress for the transaction, which still requires additional regulatory approvals and shareholder votes from both companies.

The merger will create a diversified chemicals platform combining Olin's chlor-alkali and epoxy businesses with Huntsman's polyurethanes and performance products operations. Both companies' boards have unanimously approved the transaction, which is structured as a tax-free reorganization for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

HSR clearance removes the domestic antitrust risk that has hung over the deal since announcement. Investors now face an approximately two-year timeline to completion, with integration execution and international regulatory reviews remaining as key risk factors.