1 week ago
UK Watchdog Clears Danone’s £864 Million Huel Acquisition
Danone wants to buy Huel, a company that makes convenient nutrition products.
The deal is worth £864 million.
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority checked whether the purchase might reduce shoppers’ choices.
After reviewing it, the watchdog decided that a deeper investigation was not needed.
Huel started in Hertfordshire in 2015 as an online business selling complete meal products.
It now sells powders, drinks, meals and snack bars around the world.
Danone says its larger international network could help Huel expand further.
Huel could also give Danone a stronger position in the growing functional nutrition market.
The deal has not fully finished because some final conditions still need to be met.
The Competition and Markets Authority cleared Danone’s proposed £864 million acquisition of Huel.
The CMA said the deal did not require a more detailed Phase 2 investigation.
Danone agreed the takeover in March to expand its position in functional nutrition.
Huel began in Hertfordshire in 2015 and now sells products in more than 25,000 stores worldwide.
The transaction still requires final completion conditions before it can be completed.
- Who
- Danone, Huel and the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority.
- What
- The CMA cleared Danone’s proposed £864 million acquisition of Huel without requiring a Phase 2 investigation.
- Where
- The competition review concerned the United Kingdom; Huel was founded in Hertfordshire and operates internationally.
- When
- The companies agreed the deal in March, and the CMA began its initial review in July; the clearance date is not specified.
- Why
- The CMA examined whether the takeover could reduce competition or consumer choice, while Danone seeks growth in functional nutrition and greater international reach for Huel.
Deal rationale
Competition concerns
Impact on consumers
Deal rationale
Danone said the acquisition would strengthen its position in the growing functional nutrition market and combine Huel’s offerings with its international scale and distribution network.
Competition concerns
The CMA examined whether combining the businesses could weaken competition in the United Kingdom, reduce consumer choice or require a deeper investigation.
Regulatory outcome
Deal rationale
The clearance removes a significant regulatory hurdle and brings Danone closer to taking control of Huel.
Competition concerns
The CMA’s clearance does not mean the takeover is complete; final completion conditions remain outstanding.
Key facts
- Deal value
- £864 million
- Buyer
- Danone
- Target
- Huel
- Regulator
- Competition and Markets Authority
- Review outcome
- No Phase 2 investigation required
- Huel founded
- 2015, in Hertfordshire
- Huel distribution
- Products sold in more than 25,000 stores worldwide
- Completion status
- Still subject to final completion conditions
Sources
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