The Austrian Federal Competition Authority (AFCA) has cleared the merger between SalzburgMilch and Pinzgau Milch after a thorough examination of market conditions. This review was conducted during an extensive pre-notification stage and a prolonged Phase I investigation.

The AFCA's investigation included detailed discussions and expert interviews with various stakeholders, including agricultural businesses, dairy farms, raw milk collectors, and food retailers. This approach aimed to incorporate their insights into the potential impact of the merger.

AFCA found that the merger would not establish or strengthen a dominant market position nor create barriers to effective competition. Both companies sell products like fresh milk, yoghurt, and cheese through strong distribution channels, including food retail outlets and export activities.

To assess the merger's impact, the AFCA surveyed approximately 1,100 agricultural businesses, receiving responses from around 700 farmers, which indicated a neutral to positive outlook regarding the merger's effects on their operations. Many farmers anticipated cost savings and improved marketing opportunities.

Additionally, the merger is expected to enhance the cooperative structure of dairy farmers, with the new entity being 90% owned by the cooperative of Salzburger Alpenmilch Genossenschaft and Pinzgau Milch registrierte Milchliefer- und Besitzgenossenschaft, thereby benefiting the farmers directly.