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CCPC green light for vending-machines deal

The competition watchdog has cleared Coca-Cola HBC’s acquisition of Dublin-based vending company BDS Vending.

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) had decided last year to carry out an in-depth investigation to assess whether the deal would result in a substantial lessening of competition in the State.

Coca-Cola HBC is a bottling partner to The Coca-Cola Company, and its main activities are the bottling and distribution of a range of drinks.

It also offers full vending services to customers. These vending services include the installation, operation, and servicing of vending machines. BDS Vending also offers full vending services to its customers.

The CCPC said today (12 February) that both companies had provided “significant additional information” during the probe, which satisfied the watchdog that the deal could go ahead.