CCPC opens full investigation into Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Limited’s proposed purchase of BDS Vending Solutions

                        	

September 6, 2024

                        	

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed purchase of BDS Vending Solutions Limited (BDS Vending) by Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Limited, an indirectly owned subsidiary of Coca-Cola HBC AG (M/24/014).


Under competition law, the CCPC must assess certain mergers and acquisitions to prevent negative effects on competition. CCPC merger investigations examine the possible impact a purchase may have on consumers, including changes to price, quality, consumer choice, and innovation.


Coca-Cola HBC AG is a bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Company. It is active primarily in the bottling and distribution of a range of drinks but also offers full-service vending solutions to customers, including the installation, operation and servicing of vending machines. BDS Vending, which is based in Dublin, offers full vending solutions to its customers, including machine sales, supply, operation, servicing and customer support services.


The proposed purchase was notified to the CCPC in March 2024. Following a preliminary examination, the CCPC has now decided that a full Phase 2 investigation is needed to establish whether the purchase will result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State.


The CCPC welcomes submissions from interested parties by email to mergers@ccpc.ie by 3pm on 26 September 2024.


As the investigation is ongoing, no further information can be provided at this time.
		

                  

                				
				                    Return to News

CCPC Launches Full Investigation into Coca-Cola HBC's Acquisition of BDS Vending Solutions

The CCPC is investigating Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland Limited's acquisition of BDS Vending Solutions to assess its potential impact on competition.

Coca-Cola HBC AG, a bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company, primarily operates in bottling and distribution but also provides vending solutions. On the other hand, BDS Vending, based in Dublin, offers vending services including machine sales and customer support.

The proposed purchase was notified to the CCPC in March 2024, leading to the decision for a full Phase 2 investigation to determine if it will harm competition in the State. Interested parties can submit their views to the CCPC by email until 26 September 2024.

Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details are available at this time.



CCPC Launches Full Investigation into Coca-Cola HBC's Acquisition of BDS Vending Solutions

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is conducting a full Phase 2 investigation into Coca-Cola HBC's proposed purchase of BDS Vending Solutions.