German competition authority clears acquisition of Alpuro by the Van Drie Group

On 29 December 2010, the German competition authority (the Bundeskartellamt) cleared the acquisition of Alpuro by the Van Drie Group, subject to conditions.  Since both firms are active in the supply of veal in Europe, the merger increases Van Drie’s share of the market.  Van Drie is vertically integrated and active at all stages of the process leading to the supply of veal, including the procurement, fattening and slaughtering of calves.  By divesting subsidiaries in Germany which are active in the upstream activity of fattening calves, competitors active in Germany will be enabled to expand their position in the downstream market for veal.  RBB Economics advised the Van Drie Group alongside a team from the Amsterdam and Berlin offices of Freshfields.