UK – Arla Foods’ proposed acquisition of Express Dairies has been referred to the UK’s Competition Commission this week by Competition Minister Gerry Sutcliffe.

In a statement, Sutcliffe said: “The Office of Fair Trading advised me that this proposed acquisition gives rise to a significant prospect of a substantial lessening of competition. It would lead to a reduction in the number of potential suppliers of fresh milk to the larger supermarkets from four to three.”