| Since March 1999 the two largest dairy cooperatives of Denmark, MD FOODS and KLOVER MAELK have merged after a long relationship ranging from joint ventures (such as the P-AMBA and M-AMBA companies) to various alleged price wars. We point out that the main reasons for merger from the point of view of MD FOODS were: (i) to establish monopoly power on the domestic market, (ii) to pursue an international growth strategy, (iii) to exploit rationality and coordination gains in the operations. Further, the merger counters the threat of (iv) an alleged foreign take-over of KLOVER, (v) further pressure by the Danish Competition Authority, and (vi) the increased concentration through mergers taking place in the dairy and retail industries in Europe. The... |
