The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has announced its intention to close the investigation into Dossche Mills' proposed acquisition of Ceres' artisanal bakery activities. This decision comes after Dossche Mills confirmed the termination of the contractual arrangements related to the acquisition.

The investigation was initiated on January 21, 2025, due to concerns that the merger could significantly restrict competition in the wheat flour market for artisanal bakeries in Belgium. The BCA acted proactively, as there was no obligation for the companies to notify the authority under the merger control regime.

During the investigation, the BCA utilized Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and Article IV.1 of the Code of Economic Law, which prohibit anti-competitive agreements. The authority conducted a thorough review, consulting various industry players and gathering extensive data to assess the market positions of Dossche Mills, Ceres, and their competitors.

Following the preliminary findings communicated to both companies in early March, additional investigative steps were taken based on their feedback. However, with the confirmation of the deal's termination, the BCA plans to formally close the investigation, ensuring compliance with the obligations arising from the termination.