The European Commission has set a deadline for its inquiry into the merger between Dutch dairy cooperatives Friesland Foods and Campina.


Brussels will rule on the proposed deal before 17 July.


The merger would create a new company, Frieslandcampina, which would have annual sales in excess of EUR9bn (US$13.9bn).


The newly-created company would continue to operate as a farmer-owned cooperative and expects to realise synergies of EUR175m.