Lactalis gets EU backing in Puleva buy out

Lactalis has secured regulatory approval from the EU to buy Puleva Foods - the dairy arm of Spanish food giant Ebo Puvela.

The EUR 630million ($801.2 million) deal will give Lactalis – already Europe’s largest dairy group - a strong foothold in the Spanish market, while Ebro will concentrate on developing its packaged meals business.

The proposed Puleva Foods buy out is the latest in a string of acquisitions for Lactalis, including the Italian cheese company Galbani, U.S. company Rondele, and the Lubborn creamery in the U.K..

In a statement, the European Commission said: "The Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede competition in Europe or Spain."