Vol. 524 No. 1
27 Mr. Deasy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her views on the manner in which the merger of Waterford Foods and Avonmore was presented to the Waterford Foods shareholders; if she will initiate an inquiry into the procedures adopted; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21680/00]
In June 1997 I was notified, pursuant to the Merger and Take-over (Control) Acts, 1978-96, of the proposed merger between Avonmore and Waterford Foods. Following a detailed consideration of the proposal under the merger Acts, I cleared the proposed merger without referral to the Competition Authority and without any conditions.
I understand that both industrial and provident societies individually approved the amalgamation of the societies in accordance with industrial and provident societies legislation. I am aware that concerns were expressed by some members of the merged society in relation to investment stock units issued by Waterford Co-op. This is a matter between the parties concerned and is not one in which I have a function.
