Regulator imposes divestments to address competition risks in duck products and crop markets in southwest France.
France’s competition authority conditionally cleared the merger of agricultural cooperatives Euralis and Maïsadour after the companies pledged remedies to address antitrust concerns. The deal, proposed last year, faced scrutiny over potential price increases for consumers and reduced market options for farmers and feed suppliers in southwest France.
The Autorité de la Concurrence identified risks in fattened duck product markets, where the merged entity would hold a dominant position, and in crop sales, where farmers could face fewer buyers. The regulator also warned of limited sourcing options for animal feed. Consensus expectations had anticipated conditional approval, given the sector’s consolidation trends.
To secure clearance, Euralis and Maïsadour committed to divesting production of at least two million fattened ducks by July 2031, including the Canadour business and Sarrade foodservice brand. They also pledged to facilitate competitor access to farms and sales outlets for crops.