Danone's $1.2 Billion Huel Deal Gets U.K. Competition Clearance

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority has cleared Danone's proposed $1.2 billion acquisition of Huel. The regulator initially launched a merger probe to assess potential competition issues but determined that the deal would not warrant an in-depth Phase 2 investigation based on current information. This approval allows the French food giant, known for Activia and Evian, to proceed with its purchase of the British plant-based food supplier.

By Dominic Chopping

The U.K. antitrust watchdog cleared the proposed $1.2 billion acquisition of Huel by Danone.

The Competition and Markets Authority had launched an initial merger probe to examine whether the deal would lessen competition in the country, but said Thursday that based on information currently available, it wouldn't refer the merger to a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation.

Danone, the French food company behind Activia yogurt and Evian water, agreed to buy the British supplier of plant-based food powders and meal-replacement drinks earlier this year.

Write to Dominic Chopping at dominic.chopping@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

August 20, 2026 02:35 ET (06:35 GMT)