1.   

On 31 July 2018, the Commission received notification of a proposed concentration pursuant to Article 4 of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 (1).

This notification concerns the following undertakings:

—	JAB Holdings BV, controlled by JAB Holding Company SARL (‘JAB’, Luxembourg),

—	PAM Group Limited (‘Pret’, UK), controlled by funds managed by Bridgepoint Advisers Limited.

JAB acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation control of the whole of Pret.

The concentration is accomplished by way of purchase of shares.

2.   

The business activities of the undertakings concerned are:

—   for JAB: JAB holds interests in tea brands, coffee brands (including Jacobs, Douwe Egberts and Tassimo) and bakery, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages and doughnut businesses. JAB has controlling stakes in the following companies active in the retail food and drink sector in the EEA: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Espresso House, Baresso, Balzac Coffee, Coffee Company and 12oz Coffee Joint. JAB is also active in the wholesale supply of coffee and other hot drinks throughout the EEA,

—   for Pret: Pret is a food and drink retailer offering a wide selection of food and drinks including sandwiches, hot food, salads, soups, baked goods, snacks, fresh fruit, juices and organic coffee. Pret has outlets in the UK, France, Denmark, the Netherlands and outside the EEA.

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.   

The Commission invites interested third parties to submit their possible observations on the proposed operation to the Commission.

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

M.9010 — JAB/Pret A Manger

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

E-mail: COMP-MERGER-REGISTRY@ec.europa.eu

Fax +32 22964301

Postal address:

European Commission

Directorate-General for Competition

Merger Registry

1049 Bruxelles/Brussel

BELGIQUE/BELGIË