Britain’s competition regulator has cleared the proposed 1.2-billion-pound ($1.61 billion) merger between convenience food manufacturers Greencore and Bakkavor on Wednesday, scrapping an in-depth probe into the companies.
The Competition and Markets Authority, which launched its probe into the deal in September, said it had accepted undertakings from the companies to address its competition concerns.
Bakkavor’s retail customers include Tesco, M&S and Waitrose, while Greencore supplies to all major UK supermarkets.
In a separate statement on Wednesday, Greencore and Bakkavor said the deal is now expected to be completed by January 16.
Upon completion of the deal, Greencore shareholders will hold roughly 56% of the combined entity, while Bakkavor shareholders are expected to own the remaining 44%.
Source: Reuters.com