Cintas’s planned $5.5 billion acquisition of UniFirst Corporation is facing an extended antitrust review by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The deal would unite two of the largest companies in the uniform and facility services industry, and regulators are examining its potential effect on competition. [1, 2, 7]
In early October 2026, Cintas and UniFirst entered into a timing agreement with the FTC. They agreed not to complete the merger before December 11, 2026. [7, 10]
The FTC issued a Second Request for additional information in June, signaling a more in-depth investigation than a routine review. Canadian regulators are also scrutinizing the transaction. [11, 14]
Cintas has said it still expects the deal to close by the end of 2026, but the extended regulatory review leaves the outcome uncertain. [11, 16]
The merger agreement provides for a $350 million reverse termination fee payable by Cintas if antitrust laws prevent the deal from closing. [6]