The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has ordered Vandemoortele to sell its Worcester laminated dough production facility and UK sales operations in Staines-upon-Thames following its acquisition of Délifrance.

The decision follows the publication of the CMA’s final report into the deal, which concluded that the merger would substantially reduce competition in the UK supply of frozen viennoiserie products.

Vandemoortele and Délifrance both supply frozen products such as croissants and pains au chocolat to supermarket and foodservice customers, where they are typically baked in-store or on-site before sale.

According to the CMA’s independent inquiry group, the acquisition would make Vandemoortele the UK’s largest supplier of frozen viennoiserie and could result in higher prices or lower quality for businesses and consumers.

The decision follows earlier scrutiny of the deal, with the CMA raising competition concerns over the acquisition in December 2025.

Later that month, the watchdog proposed accepting remedies offered by Vandemoortele to address the concerns identified during its initial investigation.

In May 2026, Vandemoortele conceded that the merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the supply of frozen laminated dough products to UK retail and foodservice customers.

The CMA said the concession enabled it to streamline its phase 2 investigation and begin discussions over potential remedies earlier than usual. The investigation was completed almost seven weeks ahead of the 24-week statutory deadline.

Under the remedy, Vandemoortele must divest its Worcester manufacturing facility alongside its existing UK sales operations to a suitable purchaser.

The sale package will include the assets needed for the business to operate as an independent competitor, including customer relationships, contracts, staff and relevant rights. Transitional services and manufacturing arrangements will also be included to support continuity for customers during the transfer.

Martin Coleman, chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Once Vandemoortele conceded that their merger raised competition concerns, we could streamline the investigation, discuss remedies at an early stage and ultimately make a final decision well ahead of the statutory deadline.”

He added that transferring Vandemoortele’s UK sales operations to an independent operator would help preserve competition and “keep prices in check for consumers”.

Vandemoortele completed its acquisition of Délifrance before the CMA launched its phase 2 investigation and will continue to operate in the UK.

The CMA said it will monitor the companies’ progress in implementing the required remedy.