Press Release: Mergers: Commission deepens probe into proposed acquisition of control over sugar trader ED&F MAN by Südzucker

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation, under the EU Merger Regulation, into the proposed acquisition of control over ED&F MAN by Südzucker, a German company that is Europe's largest sugar and molasses producer. ED&F MAN is the second largest sugar trader and largest molasses trader worldwide.

The Commission’s preliminary investigation has indicated potential competition concerns as regards the markets for white sugar, in particular in Southern Europe, imports of raw cane sugar for refining for the whole of the European Economic Area (EEA)1 and molasses, especially in Central Europe. The opening of an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result. The Commission has now a deadline of 23 March 2012 to take a final decision.