UK: CMA poised to accept Müller dairy deal

Muller’s acquisition of Dairy Crest’s liquid milk business appeared to move a step closer yesterday (11 August) when the UK’s competition regulator indicated it is proposing to accept the German giant’s moves to assuage anti-trust concerns.

The Competition and Markets Authority had flagged a number of competition concerns tha it believed would arise from the deal, which would effectively leave two major, nationwide milk suppliers in the UK – Muller and Arla Foods.

To address these concerns – and avoid a more detailed investigation – Muller said it would undertake to “toll process” a nominated volume of fresh liquid milk. The company is in negotiations with two companies: Medina Holdings and Nijjar Group Holdings, trading as Freshways.

“The CMA proposes to accept the proposed undertaking, which it currently considers is appropriate to remedy its competition concerns,” the regulator said yesterday afternoon.

Full content: The Telegraph

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