Decision Nº M/04/017 from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, 2004-04-26

• Decision Date: 26 April 2004
• Decision Number: M/04/017
• Date: 26 April 2004
• Parties: Campbell Catering,Aramark
• Status: Preliminary investigation (Phase 1)
• Court: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland)

1

Determination No. M/04/017 of the Competition Authority, dated 26th April

2004, under Section 21 of the Competition Act, 2002

Notification No. M/04/017 – The proposal by Aramark Ireland Holdings Limited

to acquire 18.33% of Campbell Catering Services

Introduction

1. On 26th March 2004 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 Aramark Ireland Holdings Limited (Aramark) would

acquire sole control of Campbell Catering Services.

The Parties

2. Aramark is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aramark Corporation, a US company.

Aramark Corporation is engaged in providing and managing services, including

food and support services. Aramark currently owns 45% of Campbell Catering

Services and the current proposed transaction relates to its acquisition of an

additional 18.33% of the shares in Campbell Catering Services.

3. Campbell Catering Services is a joint venture between Aramark and Campbell

Bewley Holdings Limited, a private limited company incorporated in Ireland.

Campbell Bewley Holdings Limited currently owns 55% of the shares in

Campbell Catering Services and has sole control over the joint venture.

Campbell Catering Services is engaged in the provision of contract catering and

associated services to commercial clients, universities and hospitals in the

Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Acquisition of control

4. The acquisition of an additional 18.33% in Campbell Catering Services will give

Aramark sole control of the joint venture. As the minority shareholder Campbell

Bewley Holdings Limited will not exercise joint control over Campbell catering

Services.

Analysis

5. The proposed transaction involves the exchange of control between two parents

over a joint venture. Apart from its interest in Campbell Catering Services,

Aramark is not active on the Irish market. Therefore the transaction does not

give rise to competition concerns.