Brussels, Aug 12 - The European Commission has cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of joint control over TP Haluco, a Dutch fruit and vegetable importer and wholesaler, by Total Produce plc of Ireland and the vendor Haluco Beheer BV. The proposed transaction would also involve the acquisition of sole control over Haluco UK by Total Produce. After examining the operation, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any substantial part of it.
Total Produce is based in Ireland and is primarily active in the procurement, importation, marketing and distribution of a full range of fruit and vegetables in various EEA countries. It also has a pot plants distribution business in Ireland.
TP Haluco is active in the procurement, importation, marketing or distribution of a range of fresh fruit and vegetables in various EEA countries. Haluco UK carries out the same activities in the United Kingdom. The Commission’s examination of the proposed transaction showed that the horizontal overlaps between the activities of the involved companies and their combined position on the markets for fruits and vegetables concerned at wholesale level are limited and that competition on these markets would not be affected by the proposed transaction.