CCPC clears Coca-Cola / BDS Vending Solutions deal
February 12, 2025
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared the proposed purchase of BDS Vending Solutions Limited (BDS Vending) by Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Limited, an indirectly owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola HBC AG (M/24/014).
Coca-Cola HBC AG is a bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Company. The company’s primary activities are the bottling and distribution of a range of drinks but it also offers full vending services to customers. These vending services include the installation, operation and servicing of vending machines.
BDS Vending, which is based in Dublin, offers full vending services to its customers, including vending machine sales, supply, operation, servicing and customer support services.
The proposed purchase was notified to the CCPC in March 2024. Following a preliminary examination, the CCPC decided an in-depth investigation was needed to establish whether the proposed transaction would result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State. This type of detailed further review is commonly referred to as a phase two investigation.
Significant additional information was provided by both parties during the course of the investigation, such that the CCPC is satisfied that the deal can proceed.
Full details of our merger review process and timelines are set out in the CCPC’s Mergers and Acquisitions Procedures. The CCPC will publish a full determination on ccpc.ie no later than 60 working days after the date of the determination, allowing the parties the opportunity to request that confidential information be removed.
Case Timeline
| Transaction Timelines to Date | Notes | |
| 5 March 2024 | Notification | This is the date from which the timelines, within which the CCPC must make a determination, begin to run. |
| 15 April 2024 | Phase 1 requirements for information were issued to parties | This pauses and resets the deadline for the CCPC to make a determination. |
| 29 July 2024 | Required information received from parties and requirements for information complied with. | This is the new date from which the timelines within which the CCPC must make a determination in Phase 1 (30 working days) and Phase 2 (120 working days total) begin to run.
|
| 6 September 2024
|
Phase 1 determination issues. Phase 2 investigation opened.
|
|
| 26 September and
16 October 2024 |
Phase 2 requirements for information were issued to parties | Phase 2 determination deadline is paused
|
| 29 November 2024 | Required information received from parties and Requirement for Information complied with. | Phase 2 determination deadline is resumed
|
| 12 February 2025 | Determination issued |
