On 28 May 2026, following a Phase I investigation, the European Commission unconditionally approved the merger of Danish dairy cooperative Arla and the German and Dutch dairy cooperatives DMK and DOC. The transaction creates the largest dairy cooperative in Europe.
The Commission investigated potential theories of harm relating to horizontal, vertical, and conglomerate effects in a large number of dairy markets. Its decision draws upon economic submissions relating to market shares, raw milk procurement, and private label tender opportunities.
A pan-European RBB team, led by Daniel Gore
Daniel GorePartner and Annabelle Jochem
Annabelle JochemPartner, supported by Arvydas Vidziunas
Arvydas VidziunasAssociate Principal, Lachlan Lindsay
Lachlan LindsaySenior Associate, Jooseppi Kalliokoski
Jooseppi KalliokoskiSenior Associate, Johannes Mattke
Johannes MattkeSenior Associate, Domenico Pasculli
Domenico PasculliSenior Associate, Chiara Latour
Chiara LatourSenior Associate and Peer von TippelskirchPeer von TippelskirchSenior Associate advised the Parties' legal advisors Norton Rose Fulbright and Gleiss Lutz throughout the Commission's investigation.
