Press Release: Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Belgian potato processor Lutosa by rival McCain, subject to conditions

The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Lutosa of Belgium by McCain of Canada. Lutosa's activities overlap with those of the global market leader McCain in the production and sale of processed potato products, in particular frozen French fries. The clearance is conditional on the divestment of Lutosa's branded retail business in the European Economic Area (EEA). The Commission had concerns that the merger, as initially notified, would have reduced competition on the Belgian retail market for French fries and potato specialities. The commitments offered by the parties adequately address these concerns.