The Dutch Competition Authority blocked merger of two waste processing companies

The Dutch competition authority, the Authority for Consumers and Markets, blocked waste processing company Afvalverwerking Rijnmond from acquiring its rival, Afval- en Energiebedrijf. It was of the opinion that the combined entity would become, by far, the largest waste-management company in the Netherlands which would result in increased prices for waste processing services. Further, the increased cost to the municipalities and waste collectors would eventually pass on to the end-consumers.