Mondelez International’s licence to manufacture a range of condiments for Kraft Heinz in Germany is coming to an end.
Germany’s competition watchdog, the Bundeskartellamt, is studying the move, which covers brands including Kraft ketchup and Bull’s-Eye barbecue sauce. The licencing deal also covers Austria.
“Certain Kraft brands, including Bulls Eye and various Kraft sauces, have previously been produced by Mondelez under licence. Those licences are now coming to an end and so Kraft Heinz is simply putting in place necessary arrangements for their return,” a spokesperson for Kraft Heinz’s European business said.
In preparation for the end of the deal, Mondelez has rolled out its own brands in certain categories, including Longhorn barbecue sauce, which was launched earlier this year.
Last month, Warren Buffett cooled talk Kraft Heinz – in which the US billionaire is the largest investor – could look to make a move to buy Mondelez.
A number of Wall Street analysts have suggested in recent months Kraft Heinz, which Buffett controls with Brazilian private-equity firm 3G Capital, might bid for the Cadbury and Oreo owner after failing to land Unilever.
