Belgian Competition Authority opens investigation into Dossche Mills' acquisition of Ceres' flour business
The Belgian Competition Authority (BCA) has launched a preliminary investigation into the potential anticompetitive effects of Dossche Mills' proposed acquisition of Ceres' artisanal bakery flour trade.
Dossche Mills announced on January 17, 2025, that it had signed an agreement to acquire Ceres' operations in this segment.
While the deal's revenue fell below the legal thresholds requiring mandatory notification, the BCA noted that Dossche Mills and Ceres are the two largest suppliers of flour to artisanal bakeries in Belgium.
The BCA's auditor-general identified significant concerns that the deal could substantially hinder effective competition in the market.
Citing Article IV.39 of the Belgian Code of Economic Law, the BCA initiated its investigation to assess possible violations of Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and national competition laws.
This intervention aligns with EU precedent, including the Towercast ruling, and follows previous scrutiny of Dossche Mills’ market behavior.
A broader acquisition of Ceres by Dossche Mills was abandoned in 2020 after the BCA raised doubts about its competitive impact. Moreover, in 2013, the Competition Council found Dossche Mills, Ceres, and other players in violation of antitrust laws for anti-competitive agreements and data-sharing.
The BCA emphasized that the investigation, initiated before the planned completion of the transaction on February 13, 2025, does not prejudge its outcome. Both companies will fully participate in the process.
