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EU: Comm approves Mars’ purchase of AniCura

By  |  October 30, 2018

The European Commission said on Monday, October 29, it had approved the acquisition by US pet food maker Mars Petcare of European veterinary business AniCura, subject to conditions.

The Commission said it had examined in its investigation the effects of the proposed transaction on the retail market of dietetic pet food sold by veterinarians.

The EU executive, which oversees competition policy, stated it was concerned that Mars might be able, in the future, to shut out its dietetic pet food competitors from retail channels, namely the AniCura clinics and the VetFamily member clinics.

Mars offered to divest VetFamily, a purchasing organization for independent veterinary clinics, as a whole in Europe.

The Commission stated this commitment addressed its concerns as they would reduce Mars’ influence on retail channels in Denmark and Sweden.

Full Content: Reuters

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