BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission has approved Luxembourg brewer Brasserie Nationale’s acquisition of drinks wholesaler Boissons Heintz subject to conditions aimed at preserving competition in the country’s hospitality sector, the watchdog said on Thursday.
The deal, carried out through Brasserie Nationale subsidiary Munhowen, raised concerns because it would combine the two largest beverage distributors to hotels, restaurants and cafes in Luxembourg.
The Commission said the merger could have left customers with too few alternatives and risked favouring Brasserie Nationale’s own mineral water brand, Lodyss, over rival products.
To address these concerns, the companies agreed to divest most of Boissons Heintz’s hotels, restaurants and cafes business. The Commission said the commitments fully resolved its competition concerns.
An independent trustee will monitor implementation of the remedies and the Commission will approve a suitable buyer for the divested business in a separate process.
(Reporting by GV De ClercqEditing by David Goodman)
