- CMA clears Vandemoortele / Délifrance merger subject to sale
of a UK plant and sales operations
- Early engagement sees investigation conclude 7 weeks ahead of
deadline
- Inquiry chair Martin Coleman commented Transferring
Vandemoortele's UK sales operations to an independent operator
will protect competition and help keep prices in check for
consumers.
The independent inquiry group leading the Competition and Markets
Authority (CMA)'s in-depth phase 2 investigation into
Vandemoortele's acquisition of Délifrance has today published its
final report.
Vandemoortele and Délifrance both supply frozen viennoiserie
products, such as croissants and pains au chocolat, to
supermarket and foodservice customers. These products are
typically baked in-store or on-site before being sold or served
to UK consumers.
Having assessed the evidence, the inquiry group concluded that
the merger would lead to Vandemoortele becoming the largest
supplier of frozen viennoiserie products in the UK and
substantially reduce competition in the supply of these products,
potentially leading to higher prices or lower quality for
businesses and ultimately consumers.
After Vandemoortele conceded that the merger led to a substantial
lessening of competition in the UK, the inquiry group was able to
streamline its investigation and engage with the businesses much
earlier than is typically the case on ways to effectively resolve
the competition concerns.
The CMA following implementation of its 4Ps framework (pace,
predictability, proportionality and process) and the constructive
engagement with Vandemoortele has therefore been able to conclude
the investigation almost 7 weeks ahead of the 24-week statutory
deadline.
Vandemoortele will be required to sell its laminated dough
production facility in Worcester and its current UK sales
operations in Staines-upon-Thames to a suitable purchaser. The
group considers that the sale will preserve an independent source
of supply and restore the competitive constraint that would
otherwise be lost as a result of the merger.
Martin Coleman, chair of the independent inquiry group, said:
We've quickly concluded this investigation having engaged with
Vandemoortele to find an effective and proportionate solution to
the concerns we identified.
Once Vandemoortele conceded that their merger raised competition
concerns, we could streamline the investigation, discuss remedies
at an early stage and ultimately make a final decision well ahead
of the statutory deadline.
Competition helps keep prices low and this is particularly
important in wholesale markets like frozen pastry products which
are sold to everyday shoppers in cafés and supermarket bakeries.
Transferring Vandemoortele's UK sales operations to an
independent operator will protect competition and help keep
prices in check for consumers.
More information, including the CMA's final report, can be found
on the Vandemoortele /
Délifrance case page.
Notes to editors
- Vandemoortele Group completed its acquisition of Délifrance
S.A. before the CMA's phase 2 investigation.
- In May 2026, the CMA accepted Vandemoortele's concession that
the merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening
of competition in the supply of frozen laminated dough products
to retail and foodservice customers in the UK.
- During the phase 2 investigation, the CMA consulted on
possible remedies, including Vandemoortele's proposal to sell its
Worcester manufacturing facility. The sale package includes all
assets necessary for the business to operate effectively as an
independent competitor, including UK customer relationships,
contracts, staff, and relevant rights. The package will also
include transitional services and manufacturing arrangements to
ensure continuity for customers during the transfer period.
- Vandemoortele Group will continue to operate in the UK.
- Whilst this decision marks the end of the CMA's
investigation, it will closely monitor how the businesses
progress in implementing the remedy.
