CCPC opens full investigation into Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Limited’s proposed purchase of BDS Vending Solutions
September 6, 2024
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into 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).
Under competition law, the CCPC must assess certain mergers and acquisitions to prevent negative effects on competition. CCPC merger investigations examine the possible impact a purchase may have on consumers, including changes to price, quality, consumer choice, and innovation.
Coca-Cola HBC AG is a bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Company. It is active primarily in the bottling and distribution of a range of drinks but also offers full-service vending solutions to customers, including the installation, operation and servicing of vending machines. BDS Vending, which is based in Dublin, offers full vending solutions to its customers, including 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 has now decided that a full Phase 2 investigation is needed to establish whether the purchase will result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State.
The CCPC welcomes submissions from interested parties by email to mergers@ccpc.ie by 3pm on 26 September 2024.
As the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be provided at this time.
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