The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) has cleared the acquisition of joint control over SEE Bakery Topco, which operates Mlinar, by FFR and SEE Bakery International. This acquisition marks a shift from sole control by SEE Bakery International to joint control with FFR, a member of the Bosqar Invest Group.

The concentration primarily impacts the production and import of bakery products in Croatia, as well as wholesale and retail activities in both Croatia and neighboring non-EU countries. Mlinar is the only active participant in these relevant markets, operating four production facilities across Croatia and engaging in both local production and importation of bakery goods.

Notably, this acquisition does not introduce any horizontal overlap between the parties, as FFR is entering the market for the first time. Additionally, there is no vertical integration involved, as neither party operates in upstream or downstream markets related to bakery products.

The CCA concluded that the concentration does not significantly impede effective competition and does not create or strengthen a dominant position, thus falling within the permissible limits of the Competition Act.