Acquisition of Skanemejerier by Lactalis Approved
The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of the Swedish dairy products and fruit juices company Skanemejerier by French dairy giant Lactalis. The Commission examined the competitive effects of the proposed acquisition in the markets for dairy products, notably the supply of cream and the procurement of raw milk in Sweden.
The Commission’s investigation showed that the proposed transaction would not significantly alter the market structure in relation to dairy products and that the merged entity would face competitive pressure from a number of credible competitors. It also showed that the proposed transaction was unlikely to lead to a lessening of competition in relation to the procurement of raw milk, since farmers will be able to sell raw milk to third parties to the same extent as before the transaction.
Lactalis is active internationally in the dairy sector. Its core business is the production and marketing of drinking milk, butter, cheeses, fresh dairy, cream and industrial dairy products.
Skanemejerier is active in the dairy sector and especially in the markets for the production and marketing of drinking milk, fresh dairy products, cheeses, cream, butter and juice.
The acquisition of Skanemejerier, which has annual sales of Eur330 million, strengthens the international presence of Lactalis.
