The Bundeskartellamt has imposed a fine of 90,000 euros on Bongrain Europe SAS, which belongs to the Savencia group, for providing incorrect information in a merger notification. The notification concerned the acquisition of the majority of the shares in the dairy Söbbeke GmbH in 2011.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: "Companies that notify a merger to the Bundeskartellamt are obliged to provide complete and correct information on the project. If they fail to do this the Bundeskartellamt can impose a fine and break up the merger."

Bongrain Europe SAS had understated the sales volumes of organic yogurt achieved by the dairy Söbbeke GmbH and another dairy (Andechser Molkerei Scheitz GmbH) in which the Savencia group also held shares. Subsequent divestiture proceedings were discontinued in October 2015 because the Savencia group, upon being informed by the Bundeskartellamt of its preliminary findings, had sold its shares in Andechser Molkerei Scheitz GmbH (cf. press release of 5 October 2015).

The fine imposed is not yet final and can be appealed to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court.