Cott Corp.’s $1.25-billion (U.S.) deal to sell its beverage manufacturing business to Refresco has raised concerns for the United Kingdom Competition Markets Authority. The company says Refresco has been informed by the regulator that the deal raises potential competition concerns regarding juice drinks in PET using an aseptic production process that allows them to be sold preservative-free without refrigeration. In the United Kingdom, the combined company produces Bridgwater (Refresco) and Nelson (Cott) in two factories. Cott says Refresco is examining the decision and is willing to offer suitable remedies and will co-operate with the regulator to address the concerns. Refresco is an independent bottler of soft drinks and fruit juices for retailers and brands with production in Europe and the United States.

Source: thestar January 03, 2018 18:00 UTC