Merger Control: Commission clears proposed acquisition of V&S Vin & Sprit by Pernod Ricard, subject to conditions

The Commission has cleared, subject to conditions, the proposed acquisition of the Swedish state-owned company V&S Vin & Sprit (“V&S”) by Pernod Ricard, of France. Both companies are active in the production and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The Commission identified serious competition concerns in the markets for aniseed flavored spirits in Finland, vodka in Greece, gin in Poland and gin, cognac, port and Canadian whisky in Sweden. In order to address the Commission’s concerns, Pernod Ricard offered to divest a number of brands in the markets where the Commission identified competition concerns. In view of these commitments, the Commission concluded that the acquisition will not create such a dominant market position that would significantly impede effective competition in the EEA or in any substantial part thereof.

Source: Commission Press Release 17/7/2008

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