CMS Hasche Sigle successfully represents Hansa-Milch in EU merger control proceedings

Brussels – Hansa-Milch of Germany can become part of Danish-Swedish company Arla Foods. The European Commission approved the EU-wide merger of the two dairy cooperatives on 1 April. The merger has already been agreed by the members of both cooperatives and can thus now go ahead.

A team led by lead partner Dr Michael Bauer advised Hansa-Milch on all aspects of preparing and conducting the merger control proceedings. The proposed merger was notified to the European Commission in conjunction with Arla Foods' lawyers. During the proceedings, the Commission carried out a careful examination of the markets in Germany, Denmark and Sweden in particular, where Hansa-Milch and Arla Foods have been competitors in some areas. The Commission concluded that the merger would not impede competition and approved the plan without restrictions.

Hansa-Milch is one of the leading providers of dairy products in Germany, best known for its Hansano brand products. The company generated sales of some EUR 300 million in 2010 and had over 400 employees. Arla Foods (BUKO, Arla cave cheese, Castello) is headquartered in Viby, near Arhus, Denmark, and employs over 16,000 people. Its annual sales total around EUR 6 billion. The merger is indicative of growing consolidation in the German dairy market, triggered primarily by the phasing out of the milk quota system.

Advisers CMS Hasche Sigle:

Dr Michael Bauer, EU Merger Control
Dr Björn Herbers, EU Merger Control