Kerry lodges appeal of ban on Breeo takeover

Kerry Group has begun a High Court appeal against a ruling from the Competition Authority blocking its its €165 million purchase of Breeo Foods.

In a brief statement today Kerry said it has filed notice of appeal proceedings in the court.

The Competition Authority moved to prohibit the takeover of Breeo, which is a subsidiary of Reox, on the grounds that it would "substantially lessen" competition in the market for the production, supply and distribution of bacon products, cooked meats and processed cheese.

Breeo operates the cheese labels Mitchelstown and Calvita, bacon and sausage label Galtee, bacon and ham label Shaws and the dairyspread brand Dairygold.

Reox was spun-off from Dairygold Co-op to develop its property, consumer foods and DIY businesses.