The Competition Council has authorized the transaction through which African Industries Group intends to acquire Padova Agricultură S.R.L and Contara S.R.L companies, through Vectr Farm Braila S.R.L.

Padova operates in the production and marketing of cereals in Romania, especially agricultural products such as rice, corn, wheat, barley, rapeseed, sunflower, alfalfa, and soybeans.

Contara produced and marketed rice crops until 2022, but starting from the 2022 agricultural year, the activity focused on the production of cereals such as corn, wheat, and sunflower.

African Industries Group (AIG), in Romania, is involved in arable land exploitation, distribution of agricultural machinery, real estate development and investments, electricity production, fitness services, and consultancy activities of holding companies.

Vectr Brăila is a holding company created to acquire the two mentioned companies. Following the analysis, the Competition Council found that the transaction does not raise significant obstacles to effective competition in the Romanian market or in a substantial part thereof, and there are no serious doubts regarding its compatibility with a normal competitive environment.

The decision will be published on the website of the national competition authority after the removal of confidential information.