The Office of Fair Trading(OFT)–the UK's competition watchdog,has started an investigation into the proposed sale of Premier Foods'vinegar and sour pickles business to Japanese food firm Mizkan.
In June 2012,Premier Foods announced that it has agreed to sell vinegar and sour pickles business to Mizkan for £41m in cash.The deal includes Sarson's vinegar brand,Dufrais vinegar brand and Haywards pickles brand,which are mostly manufactured at the company's factory in Middleton,UK.
The sale is expected to be completed by the end of July 2012.
OFT said that it is investigating whether the deal would lead to a significant decrease in competition in the UK,reported Menmedia.co.uk.
In order to know about any competition or public interest issues resulting from the proposed sale,the watchdog is inviting representations,which are to be submitted by 2 August 2012.
