Berlin, June 12, 2025 — Germany’s competition authority, the Bundeskartellamt, has prohibited the planned acquisition of three slaughterhouses from Dutch-owned Vion Food Group by German meat giant Tönnies, citing serious threats to competition in regional meat markets.
The blocked deal involved Vion’s facilities in Buchloe, Crailsheim, and Waldkraiburg, which would have significantly expanded Tönnies’ already dominant position in both pig and cattle slaughtering and processing in Germany.
“The takeover would have reduced options for farmers and smaller competitors and further strengthened Tönnies’ market power,” said Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt.
The regulator’s analysis found that Tönnies would have controlled over 40% of key regional slaughter markets in southern and eastern Germany, and would have become the market leader for cattle sales nationwide. The watchdog also raised concerns about limited alternatives for farmers, high market entry barriers, and declining livestock supplies.
Tönnies, headquartered in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, is one of Europe’s largest meat processors, with €7.8 billion in revenue and over 20,000 employees. Vion, based in the Netherlands, announced last year that it would exit most of its German operations, triggering a wave of acquisition interest.
While the companies proposed remedies to address the competition concerns, including divesting and leasing facilities, the Bundeskartellamt concluded these measures were inadequate and would not ensure independent ownership or real market competition.
The decision can be appealed to the Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court.
