PEP PepsiCo Inc

By Adria Calatayud

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday that it is considering whether PepsiCo Inc.'s (PEP) planned acquisition of South Africa's Pioneer Food Group Ltd. (PFG.JO) may hurt competition in the U.K.

The regulator said it is launching a consultation process on the deal, which will remain open until Feb. 12.

The CMA said it is considering whether it is or may be the case that the acquisition will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation and, if so, whether that may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the U.K.

PepsiCo in July agreed to buy Pioneer Food for $1.7 billion.

Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayud@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 30, 2020 02:53 ET (07:53 GMT)

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