Member Article

R&R-Fredericks ice cream acquisition cleared by OFT

A merger between Lancashire-based ice cream maker, Fredericks Dairies, and R&R Ice Cream has been cleared by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT).

The deal was referred to OFT with consideration to the combined firms’ UK market share, which will be between 30 and 40% in the home ice cream retail sector.

OFT decided the agreement could go ahead, with R&R and Fredericks ceasing to operate as distinct businesses and R&R acquiring the entire share capital of its rival.

R&R acquired Fredericks on 8th April this year, and will not be referred onto the Competition Commission after consideration by OFT.

Competitors of the two companies did not express concern over the merger, although OFT said a minority of retail customers brought up issues that will be written into their decision.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Miranda Dobson .