Brussels, 09/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission authorised Unilever France to acquire the French group Amora-Maille, on condition that Unilever cedes its Bénédicta in France, Bénédictin in Belgium and Grey Poupon in the United Kingdom and Sweden brands. Unilever France and Amora-Maille produce condiments, sauces and edible oils.
In France, the European Competition services noted that the operation would make Unilever the largest company in terms of turnover, in the sauce and condiments sector. The combined market share of Unilever and Amora would have been two to five times greater than that of their main competitor in the French market. There would have been dangers of abuses of their dominant position in the mayonnaise and other salad and cold sauces sectors. To remove this danger, Unilever has undertaken to cede its Bénédicta brand and its related factories. The Anglo-Dutch group will only keep the right for the Bénédicta brand for fresh mayonnaise's for a limited period.
To remove the danger of a dominant position in the mustard market, Unilever has also undertaken to permanently stop its mustard activity under the Bénédictin brand in Belgium and selling its mustard business licensed under Grey Poupon in the United Kingdom and Sweden.