ForFarmers / Boparan JV merger inquiry
The CMA investigated the anticipated joint venture between ForFarmers N.V. (via ForFarmers UK Holdings Limited) and Boparan Private Office Limited (via Amber REI Holdings Limited) concerning ForFarmers UK Limited and 2 Agriculture Limited.
Phase 2
Administrative timetable
Referral date: 9 January 2023
Statutory deadline: 16 July 2023
Merger reference cancelled
8 February 2023: The CMA has cancelled its merger inquiry into the anticipated joint venture between ForFarmers N.V. (via ForFarmers UK Holdings Limited) and Boparan Private Office Limited (via Amber REI Holdings Limited) concerning ForFarmers UK Limited and 2 Agriculture Limited.
Notice of extension
- (8.2.23)
Inquiry group appointed
10 January 2023: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group.
Richard Feasey (Chair), Jo Armstrong, Stephen Rose and Maria Da Cunha.
Terms of reference
9 January 2023: The CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between ForFarmers N.V. (via ForFarmers UK Holdings Limited) and Boparan Private Office Limited (via Amber REI Holdings Limited) concerning ForFarmers UK Limited and 2 Agriculture Limited for an in-depth investigation.
- (9.1.23)
Phase 1
Statutory timetable
| Phase 1 date | Action |
|---|---|
| 21 December 2022 | Decision announced |
| 26 October 2022 | Launch of merger inquiry |
| 26 October 2022 to 9 November 2022 | Invitation to comment |
Reference decision
9 January 2023: The CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between ForFarmers N.V. (via ForFarmers UK Holdings Limited) and Boparan Private Office Limited (via Amber REI Holdings Limited) concerning ForFarmers UK Limited and 2 Agriculture Limited for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.
- (15.2.23)
Reference unless undertakings accepted
21 December 2022: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.
- (15.2.23)
- (21.12.22)
- Press release: Poultry feed deal could lead to higher costs for farmers
Launch of merger inquiry
26 October 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.
- (26.10.22)
Invitation to comment: closed
26 October 2022: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.
Contact
Please send written representations about any competition issues to: [email protected]
Updates to this page
Published 26 October 2022Last updated 15 February 2023 + show all updates
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Reference unless undertakings accepted full text decision and decision to refer published.
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Notice of extension of inquiry group and notice of cancellation published.
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Inquiry group appointed and contact details published.
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Phase 1 reference decision announced and phase 2 terms of reference published.
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Phase 1 decision announced and summary of the decision published.
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First published.