NETHERLANDS: Nutreco acquisition of Hydro Seafood subject to UK approval

Competition authorities in the UK are today (26 September) mulling Nutreco Holding's March acquisition of Hydro Seafood, a salmon farming business, from Norsk Hydro. The finished report is expected in November, when Stephen Byers, UK secretary for trade and industry, will announce whether he will approve the acquisition.Worth NLG1bn, the deal will provide the Dutch animal and fish feed company with up to 75% of the Scottish salmon farming market once connected business interests, such as the supply of fish feed, are considered. If the commission does not rule in favour of the deal, however, Nutreco may have to divest some of its interests in Scotland.