Watchdog to carry out probe into acquisition of Kildare company

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has decided to carry out a full Phase 2 investigation into the proposed acquisition by Dawn Meats of Kildare Chilling in Kildare Town. 

It was announced in February that Kildare Chilling was being acquired by Waterford-based meat processor Dawn Meats. 

Kildare Chilling, which is a beef and lamb processor which markets its products under the Kildara and Heritage Town brands, has around 350 employees. 

Dawn Meats supplies Irish supermarkets and exports to more than 50 countries.

The CCPC said Dawn Meats’ activities consist of slaughtering, deboning and further processing of meat products, and rendering of waste products.

A statement added: "Dawn Meats operates seven sites across the State, focusing in particular on beef processing. Kildare Chilling, which operates a single site in Kildare town, is active in slaughtering and deboning cattle and sheep, and selling the resulting fresh meat cuts and by-products.

"Following an extended preliminary investigation, which began in February 2022, the CCPC has determined that a full investigation is required in order to establish if the proposed acquisition could lead to a substantial lessening of competition in the State."

The CCPC said it will publish its Phase 1 determination no later than 60 working days after the date of the determination and after allowing the parties the opportunity to request that confidential information be removed from the published version.

Any parties who would like to send in submissions are invited to do so via email to [email protected] by Friday, July 14, 2023.