Maverick Advocaten assists Zwanenberg in second phase investigation by ACM into Unox takeover

Martijn van de Hel and Mats Reijman are assisting Zwanenberg in obtaining a license from the ACM to acquire part of the business of Unox and (in Belgium and Greece) Zwan from Unilever. During the second phase investigation, the ACM will further investigate the impact of the acquisition in the affected markets for ambient meat (such as smoked sausages) and wet ambient soups.

Zwanenberg is active in the production and sale of processed and ambient meat, soups, sauces, snacks and vegetarian/vegan products for the domestic and foreign markets. Zwanenberg mainly produces private label products, and some branded products (mainly outside the Netherlands). Unox is active in the sale and - to a limited extent - production of ambient meat, wet ambient soups, and vegetarian/vegan products. Unox produces (to a limited extent) and sells only branded products for the Dutch, Belgian and Greek (Zwan) markets.

The intention to enter into the transaction was notified to ACM on February 14, 2025. On June 5, 2025, ACM determined that a license was required for the proposed acquisition. This license was applied for on July 4, 2025.

The ACM's license requirement was also discussed in the media. See here and here.

Zwanenberg is being assisted in Corporate M&A by BarentsKrans and Squarefield. Unilever is being assisted by Martijn van Wanroij of DLA Piper.

Follow Maverick Advocaten on LinkedIn