The Competition Authority publishes a decision regarding salmon farming mergers

The Competition Authority has published a reasoned opinion decision its, which sets out views regarding SalMar's international merger
and NTS, which would have, among other things, led to the merger of Arnarlax and Arctic Fish.

As was stated in News The Competition Authority in
Last month, the European Commission concluded its investigation.
The merger, with conditions for the sale of Arctic Fish from the combined company. Completed
the Commission's investigation with a settlement with the parties at the end of October. Investigation
The competition investigation concluded on 3 November.

It was the conclusion of both studies.
of the Commission and the Competition Authority that Icelandic farmed salmon
belonging to a specific product market. Had the merger, unchanged, led to
a significant distortion of competition in that the combined company would have
become by far the largest producer of Icelandic salmon to the EEA area. Such a
a merger could lead to higher prices and fewer choices for businesses
Icelandic salmon.

In response to that competitive disruption,
SalMar in its talks with the European Commission to submit to
conditions and the sale. This decision of the Executive Board can be seen in Case no. M.10699 – SALMAR / NTS. 

The Competition Authority considers that the above fully contributes to
for the competitive disruption that would otherwise have resulted from the merger
here. The Competition Authority therefore considers that there is no need for intervention and that it is not necessary
to take further action regarding the merger following the investigation.

The Competition Authority had good cooperation in its investigation of the case.
with the European Commission's Competition Directorate and the Norwegian competition authority.