1.   

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

Total Produce PLC (‘Total Produce’) will acquire within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation joint control of the whole of DFC Holdings LLC, and indirectly in its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dole Food Company Incorporated (together referred to as ‘Dole’).

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

—   for Total Produce: Import and distribution of a wide range of fresh fruit and vegetables, including bananas and pineapples. Total Produce also operates banana ripening centres. Total Produce is active worldwide, with its geographic focus being Europe,

—   for Dole: Production, sales and distribution of fresh fruit and vegetables, including bananas and pineapples, in North America, Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Dubai, with a principal geographic focus on North America.

3.   

On preliminary examination, the Commission finds that the notified transaction could fall within the scope of the Merger Regulation. However, the final decision on this point is reserved.

4.   

Observations must reach the Commission not later than 10 days following the date of this publication. The following reference should always be specified:

M.8829 — Total Produce/Dole Food Company

Observations can be sent to the Commission by email, by fax, or by post. Please use the contact details below: