The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted Refresco’s proposal to divest its aseptic polyethylene terephthalmate (PET) facility in Nelson in response to concerns raised regarding its $1.25bn acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities.

Refresco expects to complete the merger deal by the end of this month.

Both Refresco and Cott use an aseptic juice drinks production process that forms a preservative-free drink that can be stored without refrigeration. This process is only used by one other competitor in the country.

“We continue to fully cooperate with the CMA and to search for a suitable buyer in order to deliver on the required remedies.”

The CMA investigated the deal earlier this month and found that the merged entity would have the potential to increase prices or lower quality standards due to a lack of competition.

Refresco’s plan to sell its facility in Nelson is considered an adequate remedy as the firm would then only own one aseptic PET site in the country at Bridgwater.

Refresco CEO Hans Roelofs said: “The acceptance of our remedy by the CMA is an important milestone on the path to completing this transformational acquisition of Cott’s bottling activities.

“We continue to fully cooperate with the CMA and to search for a suitable buyer in order to deliver on the required remedies.

“We will now focus on the next steps to completion and look forward to creating the world’s largest independent bottler with leadership positions across Europe and North America.”