CMA launches formal probe into Carlsberg's £3.3bn acquisition of Britivc

The Competition and Markets Authority said on Wednesday that it was launching a formal probe into Carlsberg’s £3.3bn acquisition of Britvic.

The British drinks maker announced in July that it had agreed to be bought by the Danish brewer.

The CMA set a deadline of 18 December for its phase 1 decision.

The watchdog said it had issued a second invitation to comment, giving all interested third parties a further opportunity to submit views about the impact that the proposed merger could have on competition in the UK.

The CMA will take into account all views already submitted as part of its preliminary invitation to comment launched in September and said it was not necessary to re-submit any comments made previously.