Watchdog does not like sausage monopoly in the Netherlands: sale of Unox and Zwan blocked

The Dutch competition authority ACM has blocked the acquisition of Unox and Zwan by Zwanenberg, citing concerns over a potential monopoly in the sausage market. Zwanenberg would have dominated the market for smoked and cooked sausages, raising fears of price increases for consumers. ACM noted that the merger would give Zwanenberg a market share of 60 to 85 percent, limiting supermarket choices and potentially leading to higher prices. Zwanenberg's CEO dismissed these concerns as nonsense, arguing that price hikes would drive consumers to alternative products. Both Zwanenberg and Unilever, the current owner of Unox and Zwan, may appeal the decision.