21 August 2008 – The Swiss Competition Commission (Comco) has approved the takeover of the beverage division of Eichhof Holding AG by Heineken, Comco said in a statement.
Comco announced an in-depth investigation of the proposed takeover of Eichhof by Heineken at the end of May on suspicions that the resulting Heineken/Eichhof group and Carslberg-owned Feldschlösschen would collectively achieve domination of the Swiss beer market.
The consolidation of the Swiss market caused by Heineken’s takeover of Eichhof will not significantly reduce the competitivity of other brewers, Comco recently found.
Large retailers are in a position to effectively keep both Heineken and Carlsberg in check, Comco added.
The acquisition of Eichhof will give Heineken an estimated 23% share of the Swiss beer market, consolidating the group’s number two position in Switzerland.