Food & Agri
The agricultural sector in Europe is undergoing a major deregulation. The agricultural policy of the European Union has changed these past few years. Competition has increased greatly. The food industry is keeping step with these developments and is greatly consolidating at a retail trade level. The FOOD & AGRI sector has a high level of chain dependency.
As a result of the increasing competition market parties are increasingly opting for consolidation or cooperation. However, competition rules set limits on the manner of competition and the level of cooperation. Competition must be fair. All the parties in the chain must observe certain rules. Moreover, some mergers and acquisitions require the approval of the European Commission or the NMa (Netherlands Competition Authority).
Expertise
We have a great deal of expertise on this market. We assist companies varying from producers of animal food and the food industry, to agricultural cooperatives and the chain stores on the consumer market. Our services are regularly engaged for the following:
- Contracts for national/international distribution of agricultural and food products
- Partnerships
- Joint purchasing
- Cooperatives and additional regulations
- Technology licences, innovation and trademarks
- Cartel investigations
- Supervision of mergers and acquisitions in relation to the European Commission and the NMa
References
A few recent examples from our Food & Agri practice:
- Supervising and advising the Cehave and Agrifirm cooperatives in the entire merger process in order to obtain the necessary approval from the cartel authorities, including the NMa
- Advising and representing one of the parties in a cartel investigation by the NMA of the “flour cartel”
- Setting up a European distribution network on the pet food market
Contact:
For advice and further information please contact Minos van Joolingen or Silvia Vinken of BANNING NV:
T: 073-6927715
F: 073-6927791
E: m.vanjoolingen@banning.nl
E: s.vinken@banning.nl