The Bundeskartellamt, Germany's competition authority, has granted approval for Meggle Holding SE to acquire full control of Rücker GmbH and Ostsee-Molkerei Wismar GmbH. This decision comes after a thorough investigation into the potential competitive impacts of the merger.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, stated that the authority closely examined the overlap in product offerings, particularly in the production of cream, cheese, butter, and milk powder. However, the investigation concluded that the market shares in these overlapping areas do not reach problematic levels, and sufficient competition remains intact.

Meggle is known for producing butter, specialty butters, baked goods, hard and sliced cheese, fresh dairy products, and milk powder, with its herb butter being particularly popular. Notably, there are no overlaps in product offerings as Rücker and OMW do not produce or sell butter with additives.

Rücker and OMW primarily manufacture cheese, butter, cream, milk powder, and vegan cheese alternatives. Their products are distributed to grocery retailers, hotels, and the gastronomy sector, and are also used in industrial processing, where they complement each other.

The Bundeskartellamt's investigation included discussions with market participants regarding dairy products such as butter (with and without additives), cream, cheese, and milk powder. Ultimately, no competitive issues were identified, and the low market shares of the companies involved did not raise any vertical competition concerns.