The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has required Vandemoortele to sell a UK plant and its sales operations following an investigation into its acquisition of Délifrance. The independent inquiry group published its final report today, 20 August 2026.
The CMA's in-depth phase 2 investigation found that the merger would make Vandemoortele the largest supplier of frozen viennoiserie products in the UK. This was deemed to substantially reduce competition in the supply of products like croissants and pains au chocolat to supermarkets and foodservice customers.
To address these concerns, Vandemoortele will be required to sell its laminated dough production facility in Worcester and its UK sales operations in Staines-upon-Thames to a suitable purchaser. Martin Coleman, chair of the inquiry group, stated that transferring Vandemoortele’s UK sales operations to an independent operator will protect competition and help keep prices in check for consumers.
The investigation concluded almost seven weeks ahead of the 24-week statutory deadline. This was attributed to Vandemoortele conceding that the merger raised competition concerns, allowing for streamlined investigation and early discussions on remedies.