Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into dairy products merger between Campina and Friesland

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the planned merger between Campina and Friesland Foods, both of The Netherlands and both active in a range of dairy product markets such as milk, cheese and lactose. The Commission’s initial market investigation found that the proposed transaction raises serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market given that the two companies’ compete on the same dairy product markets. In addition, it is possible that the combination of the two companies' activities will lead to potential supply problems for competitors. The decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days (until 24 November 2008) to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the Single Market.