European competition commissioner Neelie Kroes has launched a ‘far-reaching’ investigation into the proposed merger between Dutch dairy giants Campina and Friesland Foods, the Telegraaf reports on Friday.

‘In a time when food prices are rising, consumers need to be protected against limits to competition which could drive up prices,’ Kroes was reported as saying. ‘There is a real danger of that happening with this merger.’
The new combine will have annual turnover of €9bn.