The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has today cleared the proposed transaction whereby Dunnes Stores would acquire sole control of Whelan Food & Meat Processors and Tipperary Sustainable Food Company Limited.

The two companies were owned by well-known and award winning Tipperary-based butcher Pat Whelan.

Both companies form part of the umbrella group that includes James Whelan Butchers, which has locations in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, Avoca Rathcoole and Avoca Blackrock in Co. Dublin.

The proposed transaction was notified under the Competition Act 2002 (as amended) on January 18, 2016.

The Commission has formed the view that the proposed transaction will not substantially lessen competition in any market for goods or services in the State.

The Commission will publish the reasons for its determination on its website no later than 60 working days after the date of the determination and after allowing the parties the opportunity to request that confidential information be removed from the published version.

Whelan Food & Meat Processors, a private company located in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, is involved in the retail sale of meat and related products, including beef, lamb, pork and poultry.

Whelan Food & Meat Processors operates the “James Whelan Butchers” store located in Oakville Shopping Centre, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Whelan Food & Meat Processors also makes on-line sales of meat and related products mainly to customers located in the State.

Tipperary Sustainable Food Company Limited Food, a private company located in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, is involved in the retail sale of meat and related products under the “James Whelan Butchers” brand.

Tipperary Sustainable Food Company Limited Food operates concessions located in Avoca stores located in Monkstown, Rathcoole and Kilmacanogue.