The European Commission has granted approval for the merger between Dutch dairy cooperative FrieslandCampina and Belgian dairy group Milcobel, concluding that the deal does not raise competition concerns in the markets where the two companies operate. FrieslandCampina announced the decision on Wednesday.
The merger, first announced in December 2024, still requires final approval from the shareholders of Milcobel and the member council of FrieslandCampina. A final vote is scheduled for 16 December.
According to both cooperatives, the merger will create new growth opportunities across key dairy market segments — including consumer cheese, mozzarella, milk, buttermilk, yogurt, and dairy ingredients — while delivering efficiency gains and enhanced know-how.
Milcobel, Belgium’s largest dairy company, is best known for brands such as Brugge Kaas, Nazareth, and Milcobel Boter. The merger will further integrate the Belgian dairy sector into a larger cross-border cooperative structure, strengthening its position within the European dairy landscape.
