Noticias

The National Economic Prosecutor’s Office (FNE) has approved the merger of Hino and Fuso’s activities in the truck industry, subject to the maintenance of independent import and wholesale distribution networks for trucks in Chile.

In Phase 1 of the investigation, the FNE identified potential risks in the segment of truck importation and wholesale distribution in Chile. This conclusion was reached considering the high market shares of the parties’ current wholesale distributors, which jointly handle the distribution of a significant portfolio of traditional brands—mainly of Japanese origin—and non‑traditional brands from China. In particular, the FNE found that the parties could have incentives to consolidate wholesale distribution into a single distributor, thereby eliminating inter‑brand competition between their wholesale distributors.

To address this risk, the parties offered a remedy consisting of the indefinite maintenance of independent networks for the importation and wholesale distribution in Chile of light, medium, and heavy trucks, as well as the separate distribution of parts, spare parts, and after‑sales services.

Given that the proposed remedies fully and clearly addressed the potential risks identified, it was not necessary to conduct a Phase 2 review, as the FNE concluded that these remedies are effective, proportional, and suitable to ensure that the transaction does not substantially lessen competition in Chile.

This decision adds to the recent approval, in February 2026, by the FNE of two other concentrations in the healthcare industry, both also subject to remedies —structural in those cases–: Saval’s acquisition of the Sanitas and Chemopharma laboratories, and Sodexo’s acquisition of Mediterránea Catering.

All of these cases reflect the effectiveness of the Chilean merger control regime and demonstrate timely, proportional intervention aligned with the standards of leading international competition authorities.

The report and resolution approving the operation will be made available on the FNE website once their public versions are finalized.

The parties

Hino is a Japanese company and a subsidiary of Toyota, dedicated to the global manufacturing and marketing of heavy vehicles. In Chile, it operates through Hino in the marketing of heavy vehicles—specifically trucks—and their parts, spare parts, and accessories.

Fuso is a Japanese company and a subsidiary of Daimler Truck AG. In Chile, it markets Fuso heavy vehicles, particularly trucks and buses, along with their parts, spare parts, and accessories.