The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has concluded its phase 2 investigation into the merger between Vandemoortele and Délifrance, requiring Vandemoortele to sell its laminated dough production facility in Worcester and its UK sales operations in Staines-upon-Thames.

This decision comes after the inquiry group determined that the merger would significantly reduce competition in the supply of frozen viennoiserie products, potentially leading to higher prices and lower quality for consumers. Vandemoortele's concession regarding the merger's impact on competition allowed for a more streamlined investigation process.

Chair of the inquiry group, Martin Coleman, emphasized the importance of maintaining competition in wholesale markets, particularly for products sold in cafés and supermarkets. The sale of the production facility is expected to preserve an independent source of supply and restore competitive constraints lost due to the merger.

The CMA's investigation concluded nearly seven weeks ahead of the statutory deadline, showcasing the effectiveness of early engagement and the implementation of its 4Ps framework: pace, predictability, proportionality, and process.