The Competition Council announces the initiation of an in-depth (Phase II) investigation of the notified economic concentration by “Curtea Dacilor” LLC, which intends to acquire control over “Agro Business Group” LLC.

The notified transaction concerns the full acquisition by “Curtea Dacilor” LLC of the share capital of “Agro Business Group” LLC, which also entails obtaining control over the company’s assets, including agricultural land and processing equipment.

The decision to initiate the in-depth investigation was adopted following a preliminary assessment of the merger notification. Based on this initial evaluation, the competition authority concluded that a more detailed analysis is necessary in order to examine the potential impact of the transaction on the competitive environment and to assess the possible risks identified at this stage.

Preliminary Concerns of the Competition Council

Possible coordination effects following the economic concentration:

During the initial assessment, the Competition Council identified potential coordination risks among undertakings active in certain agricultural markets. It was observed that “Curtea Dacilor” LLC, which operates in agricultural logistics, maintains close economic cooperation relationships with other companies within the agricultural sector.

Considering these links, there is a risk that, following the acquisition of control over “Agro Business Group” LLC, a coordinated behaviour could emerge among several undertakings active on the agricultural market, particularly on the sugar beet cultivation market.

Next Steps

According to the legal procedure, the in-depth (Phase II) investigation may last up to 90 working days.

It is important to note that the initiation of the investigation does not automatically imply that the notified transaction is incompatible with normal competitive conditions. Rather, it reflects the preliminary concerns of the authority regarding the potential effects of the transaction on the market.

The final results and conclusions of the investigation will be made public upon completion of the procedure.