OFT clears Calypso soft drinks takeover
THE Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has cleared the acquisition of Mr Freeze ice pops maker Cooke Bros by the US group Cott Developments.
Cott, a subsidiary of own-label soft drinks maker Cott Beverages, annouced the deal to buy the Wrexham-based business in April.
Cooke Bros Holdings, controlled by Richard and Peter Cooke, is a £35m turnover business that owns the Calypso soft drinks and Mr Freeze brands.
The OFT said the two companies overlapped in the production and supply of some products but it did not believe the deal raised any possible competition concerns.
As a result, it will not be referred to the Competition Commission. Advisers on the deal included accountants Baker Tilly.
