18 August, 2017
However, less than a week after investors gave the deal the green light, the CMA opened an investigation into the takeover. So in June, Heineken offered to sell dozens of Punch Taverns pubs to address the concerns.
"Without sufficient competition from rivals, pubs in these areas might be able to raise prices or worsen the service they offer customers".
However, while the deal was agreed in December previous year, the competition watchdog gave the Dutch brewing giant until 20 June to address worries the deal could have a negative impact on competition in 33 locations across Britain.
After initial investigations, the CMA has announced that previous concerns have been resolved.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had opened an investigation into the takeover and found 33 local areas where the deal could reduce competition.
Heineken was to pay £305m to buy around 1,900 of the Punch-branded pubs, adding to the 1,100 United Kingdom pubs that it already owns.
"Before reaching a final decision, the CMA carefully assessed and consulted publicly on these proposed undertakings", the watchdog said in a statement on Friday (18 August).
Heineken will soon be operating the UK´s third-largest pub chain after the competition regulator approved a deal for it to acquire Punch-branded pubs.
Under the terms of the deal, Heineken would acquire from Patron a portfolio of about 1,900 Punch pubs with Patron retaining an additional 1,329 it would run itself.
