Amongst the conditions of the merger between Friesland Foods and Campina, completed at the end of December 2008, was the sale of the Bleskensgraaf Cheese BV, which produces and sells 12 kilogram Gouda cheeses and cheese blocks and has a production capacity of 39,000 tonnes.
The company has one year to compete the sale.
In response to press reports suggesting it is having difficulty in off-loading the business, FrieslandCampina has said it expects to be able to sell within the time limit – and there is “therefore no question whatsoever of the Commission taking over the sale”.
A spokesperson for the dairy giant declined to give any more information on negotiations.
But other conditions laid down by the European Commission are said to have been fulfilled.
