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EC clears acquisition by Pernod Ricard of V&S, subject to conditions, after a Phase I investigation

The European Commission has cleared at Phase 1, subject to remedies, the acquisition by French wine and spirits company Pernod Ricard of Swedish alcohol producer Vin & Spirit (V&S). V&S is the maker of Absolut vodka, the world's third-largest premium liquor in terms of volume.

The Commission reviewed the impact of the proposed merger on various national spirit and other alcoholic drinks markets, and accepted that divestment package offered by Pernod Ricard remedied the concerns the Commission had in a small number of markets. The Commission also examined whether the combination of the parties' portfolios of brands would effect competition, but concluded it would not as there were other competitors in the industry with strong brands.

A CRA team composed of Ian Small, Vicki Mertzanidou, Laurent Flochel and Pascale Dechamps advised Pernod Ricard on the case

See Commission Press Release for further details.

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