Farm groups pleased to see the Competition Bureau identify areas of concern with Bunge's proposed merger of Viterra

The Competition Bureau released its report this week regarding Bunge's proposed acquisition of Viterra. 

The report finds the proposed acquisition is likely to harm competition in markets for grain in Western Canada, as well as the sale of canola oil in Eastern Canada. It also found that Bunge could materially influence the economic behavior of G3 Global Holdings, a major competitor to Viterra, as it is also a minority shareholder of G3. 

For months now, farm groups have been raising those same concerns.

Brenda Mahoney, general manager of the Keystone Agriculture Producers says the report raises the concerns KAP has shared with the Competition Bureau, as well as other impacted stakeholders involved in the review. 

"We are currently in the process of analyzing the complete report to determine how this data can be used to effectively advocate for the interests of Manitoba producers.”

The Competition Bureau concerns are outlined in a report to the Minister of Transport.