The German Bundeskartellamt cleared a merger in the market for food additives subject to remedies, including the commitment not to apply to the EC for an extension of anti-dumping customs duties (Ajinomoto / Orsan)

The operation On 7 January 2003 Ajinomoto Co., Inc., Japan (“Ajinomoto”) notified the Bundeskartellamt of its proposed acquisition of 80.4% of Orsan S.A, France (“Orsan”). Orsan is mainly active as a producer of monosodium glutamate (MSG), a flavour enhancer. With a plant in Neslé, France, Orsan is the only producer of MSG in Europe. Since 1996 a minority stake of 19.6% in Orsan has been held by Ajinomoto. The remaining 80.4% has been held by Amylum France S.A., France (“Amylum”). Orsan does not directly trade or operate in Germany, but is active on the German market