Brussels, 17/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 17 December 2008, the European Commission authorised a planned concentration between Campina and Friesland Foods, two Dutch companies active in different dairy product sectors. The parties have agreed to divest certain businesses to allay European Commission competition fears in some sections of the dairy market. The new company has promised the Commission to sell off the cold dairy products division of Friesland Food and part of Campina's cheese business, along with two Campina long-life dairy drinks brands. The companies have also offered to take corrective measures to ensure continued access to raw milk to their competitors and the sections of their own businesses they have pledged to sell off. A Dutch Milk Fund (foundation) will be set up to guarantee access to an annual volume of up to 1.2 billion kg (dairy products are measured in kilogrammes in the Netherlands). The new company, 'FrieslandCampina' will have to reduce exit obstacles for dairy producers wanting to leave the new cooperative. The Commission says that as long as all sides meet their commitments, it is satisfied that the deal will not endanger free competition in the markets in question. (C.D./transl.fl)