Decision Nº M/04/031 from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 2004-06-11

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Parties: Manheimer,Kerry Group
• Date: 11 June 2004
• Decision Date: 11 June 2004
• Status: Preliminary investigation (Phase 1)
• Court: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland)
• Decision Number: M/04/031

1

Determination No. M/04/031 of the Competition Authority, dated 11th June

2004, under Section 21 of the Competition Act, 2002

Notification No. M/04/031 – Proposed acquisition by Kerry Group plc of J.

Manheimer Inc.

Introduction

1. On 12th May 2004 date 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 Kerry Group plc (Kerry Group) would acquire J.

Manheimer Inc (Manheimer).

The Parties

2. Kerry Group is headquartered in Ireland and is a leading global provider of food

ingredients, branded foods and flavours. The Group’s Mastertaste division,

which is acquiring Manheimer, produces flavours including botanical/herbal

extracts, savoury flavours, sweet flavours, cheese and dairy flavours and

functional flavours. Kerry Group’s sales of flavours in the State are under €1m.

3. Manheimer is active in formulating, processing and distributing flavours,

fragrances ingredients and speciality products. Its headquarters are in the US and

it has sales into Ireland of carbonated beverage flavours and essential oils

amounting to less than €2m.

Analysis

4. The parties estimate that sales of flavours in Ireland amount to €45m and, of this,

Kerry Group’s share is less than 2% and Manheimer’s is less than 4%. Given the

parties’ relatively small sales in the State and the existence of a number of

competitors, including International Flavors and Fragrances, Givaudan and

Symrise, the transaction does not give rise to concerns.