The US Federal Trade Commission has filed a lawsuit in a New York federal court seeking to block Henkel's planned acquisition of Pittsburgh Paint for $725 million.
The regulatory action represents a significant escalation in the deal's approval process, as the FTC argues the transaction would harm competition in the coatings sector.
The filing targets the purchase of specific business units from PPG Industries, rather than the broader corporate entity.
By moving to court, the FTC is attempting to prevent the deal from closing while it builds its case that the merger would reduce competitive pressure in the market.
This legal challenge introduces substantial uncertainty for Henkel, which has been seeking to broaden its footprint in the North American adhesives and sealants market.
The regulatory hurdle comes at a time when antitrust scrutiny of mid-market industrial acquisitions has intensified.