UK's CMA launches formal probe into Carlsberg-Britvic deal
CMA sets Dec 18 deadline for Phase 1 decision
Carlsberg says CMA investigation is normal process, Britvic declines comment
Adds background in paragraph 3, Britvic's response in paragraph 6
Oct 23 (Reuters) -Britain's Competition and Markets Authority(CMA) launched a formal investigation into Carlsberg's CARLb.CO 3.3 billion pounds ($4.28 billion) deal with Britvic BVIC.L, the regulator said on Wednesday.
Carlsberg struck a deal to acquire the British soft drinks maker in July aiming to establish a UK beverage "powerhouse".
The deal includes the Danish brewer taking over Britvic's bottling agreement with PepsiCo PEP.O. Carlsberg already bottles PepsiCo drinks in several markets and sees potential to expand into additional geographies in the future.
The regulator has set a deadline of Dec. 18 for its Phase 1 decision and said it is assessing whether the deal is expected to result in a substantial reduction in competition in any market in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
"This is a normal process that was expected, and we look forward to working constructively with the CMA as it progresses," a Carlsberg spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
Britvic declined to comment.
($1 = 0.7701 pounds)
Reporting by Aatrayee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; editing by Sonia Cheema and Jason Neely
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