Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into coffee joint venture between DEMB and Mondelēz

The European Commission opened on the 15 December 2014 an in-depth investigation to assess whether a proposed joint venture between two of world's leading coffee manufacturers Douwe Egberts Master Blenders 1753 B.V. ("DEMB") of the Netherlands and Mondelēz International Inc. ("Mondelēz") of the US was in line with the EU Merger Regulation. Both companies own popular brands: DEMB owns L'Or, Douwe Egberts, Senseo and Merrild while Mondelēz owns Carte Noir, Jacobs, Gevalia, and Tassimo. The Commission had concerns that the proposed transaction might reduce competition for various coffee formats in Austria, France, Denmark and Latvia and for single-serve systems in multiple Member States. The opening of an in-depth investigation did not prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Commission had 90 working days, until 6 May 2015, to take a decision.

• Primary Source

European Commission: Competition: Mergers http://ec.europa.eu/competition/mergers/legislation/regulations.html

ESO: Background information: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into acquisition of controlling stake in De Vijver Media by Liberty Global http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-mergers-commission-opens-in-depth-investigation-into-acquisition-of-controlling-stake-in-de-vijver-media-by-liberty-global/

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