The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition by Aurivo Consumer Foods of certain assets of Arrabawn Co-Operative Society.
Aurivo Consumer Foods is a subsidiary of Co Sligo-based Aurivo Co-operative Society and its brands include Connacht Gold butter.
An agri-business co-operative, Aurivo's main activities are in the sale of dairy ingredients and dairy products such as powders and fresh milk, cream, butter and ready to drink protein shakes.
It also operates agri-retail outlets which sell animal feeds, agricultural goods, hardware and other products.
Arrabawn is an agri-business co-operative whose business activities include the sale of dairy products, food ingredients and animal feed products as well as the operation of agricultural retail stores. It has over 1,000 suppliers across Munster, Leinster and Connacht.
The proposed acquisition would see Aurivo buy assets comprising parts of Arrabawn's business for the supply of branded and unbranded liquid milk, cream and butter products.
Following an extended preliminary investigation, which began in February, the CCPC said it has determined that a full investigation is needed in order to establish if the proposed acquisition could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the State.
Any parties who would like to send in submissions are invited to do so via email to mergers@ccpc.ie by 4:30pm on Wednesday, August 2.
