The Promotion Commission and Defense of Competition (Coprodec), dependent on the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF), ruled out the purchase of Minerva to Marfrig, in tune with the request of producers and political leaders, who warned about the concentration of the company of Brazilian origin in the market of task of the Uruguay.
In February, the Defense of Competition had decided to move on to a second stage to analyze the alleged economic concentration, which according to a study could reach up to 45% of the Uruguayan work. However, this Thursday he responded with his refusal, according to Telenoche.
The decision was known unofficially and now both Minerva and Marfrig have a period of 10 days to present their defenses, in advance of a ruling that would be known next week.
One of the many voices that were raised from agriculture against the operation was that of the president of the National Meat Institute (INAC), Conrado Ferber, who anticipated that the organization had “technical support” and warned: “There are a number of pros and cons, but they are much greater than the pros.”
Ferber considered that the purchase “does not contribute to a market that in our country is quite clear and balanced,” pointing out that, if the initiative were to take place, “it would be absolutely distorting and a risk in the main business from the country”.
The objections of the political arc of Uruguay
There were several political leaders who spoke out against the acquisition. Even though he avoided speaking out categorically, the president Luis Lacalle Pou He admitted that he has his own opinion, but he would wait for the definition of the Coprodec. “If your ruling is a gray area, there will be some discretion from the government,” he admitted.
He too Minister of Livestock, Agriculture and Fisheries, Fernando Mattos, He had raised his concern, despite asking to “respect the rules,” alluding to the independence of the agency dependent on the MEF.
From the Broad Front, the presidential candidate Yamandu Orsi He maintained that “despite the elections, this year the government has to make decisions and avoiding the concentration of the meat processing industry is one of them.”
“If the president decides to prevent it, I will not hesitate to support him,” said the former mayor of Canelones, obtaining the support of the former president. Jose Mujica. “It was very good to say it so that the president does not feel that we are going to destroy him if he comes out with a defense,” he said and highlighted: “You can disagree on many things, but sometimes you can also agree.”
Source: Ambito
