WIREDGOV

The final decision follows a consultation on the CMA’s Phase 2 provisional findings.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) yesterday cleared T&L Sugars Limited’s (TLS’) deal to buy Tereos UK & Ireland’s retail sugar business, following an in-depth Phase 2 investigation led by an independent inquiry group.  

The clearance comes after the inquiry group explored concerns that the deal could reduce competition in the UK. Only three businesses (including TLS and Tereos’ UK retail business) supply the large majority of sugar to customers such as supermarkets and restaurants.

However, having conducted a thorough investigation, the inquiry group found that, without the deal going ahead, the most likely outcome would be that Tereos’ UK retail business would close. Since closure would also result in a loss of competition absent the merger, and the evidence showed that there was no other alternative and less anti-competitive purchaser for the business besides TLS, the group has decided to clear the deal.

Richard Feasey, Chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the Phase 2 investigation, said:  

Having reviewed a wide range of evidence – including detailed financial information on Tereos’ UK retail business and the efforts they have taken to try and improve its performance – we believe that the right outcome is to clear this deal.

For more information, visit the T&L Sugars / Tereos merger inquiry page. 

Notes to editors:  

1. Yesterday’s decision is final, marking the end of the CMA’s investigation.

2. TLS announced their deal to buy Tereos UK & Ireland’s retail sugar business from Tereos SCA (Tereos) in November 2023. The business supplies supermarkets, wholesalers and foodservice customers in the UK.

3. For media enquiries, contact the CMA press office on 020 3738 6460 or press@cma.gov.uk.