The Commission has cleared the acquisition by Unilever France of the company Amora-Maille, subject to conditions. Both companies are active in the sector of sauces and condiments as well as edible oils. After investigation, the Commission concluded that the original operation would have given rise to serious doubts on the market for mayonnaise, other cold sauces and salad sauces in France, and on the market for mustard in Belgium, the UK and Sweden.
Unilever committed to divest its French brand and associated production plants and to keep the right of marketing fresh mayonnaise only for a limited period of time. In this way, the parties eliminated doubts concerning the creation of dominant position and left open the possibility for a new entrant to develop immediately its position in France. With regard to the mustard market in Belgium, Sweden and the UK, Unilever has confirmed that its mustard activity under its current brand in Belgium will definitely cease. It has also committed itself to sell its mustard business carried out in English and Swedish markets under the brand Grey Poupon. The Commission has decided to clear the operation subject to the fulfilment of these commitments. (IP/00/241).
