Decision Nº M/03/029 from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 2003-11-20

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Parties: Galtee Meats,Dawn Meats
• Date: 20 November 2003
• Decision Number: M/03/029
• Status: Cleared (Phase 2)
• Court: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland)
• Decision Date: 20 November 2003

Determination of the Competition Authority

Determination No. M/03/029p1 of the Competition Authority, dated 9 October

2003, under Section 21 of the Competition Act, 2002

Notification No. M/03/029 – The proposed acquisition of Galtee Meats

(Charleville) Ltd by Dawn Meats Limited

Introduction

1. On 9 September 2003 the Competition Authority, in accordance with Section

18(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 (“the Act”), was notified on a mandatory

basis of a proposal whereby Dawn Meats Ltd would acquire Galtee Meats

(Charleville) Ltd from Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd.

The Parties

2. Dawn Meats Ltd (“Dawn”) is engaged in the slaughtering and processing of beef

and lamb, the trading and distribution of meat, and the rendering of by-products.

Dawn is a privately held group of companies; the majority shareholding is owned

by the Queally family. The Queally family also holds a majority shareholding in

a company that is active in beef processing, through a subsidiary company - QK

Meats Ltd in Naas, Co. Kildare. Dawn and QK Meats are licensed to export beef

to EU countries by the Department of Agriculture.

3. Galtee Meats (Charleville) Ltd (“Galtee”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of

Dairygold Co-operative Society Ltd, and is engaged in beef slaughtering and

processing in Charleville, Co. Cork. Galtee is licensed to export beef to EU

countries.

Determination

Having considered the information provided and collected, the Competition Authority

has been unable to form the view that the result of the proposed acquisition will not be

to substantially lessen competition in markets for goods and services in the State and,

in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Competition Act, 2002, has determined to

carry out a full investigation under Section 22 of the Competition Act, 2002.

For the Competition Authority

John Fingleton

Chairperson of the Competition Authority

9 October 2003

1