The CMA has cleared Danone’s €1bn takeover of Huel, after launching a preliminary enquiry in July 2026.
Announced in March as part of the French multinational’s global push into functional nutrition, the acquisition faced a phase 1 review from the UK markets watchdog to determine whether it would hamper competition in the UK.
Having heard from the market, the CMA has now spared Danone an in-depth investigation by giving it the all clear.
The acquisition of meal replacement drink brand Huel will take Danone into the fast-growing ‘complete nutrition’ space, complementing its existing portfolio of dairy products, waters, and specialised nutrition.
Huel’s ready-to-drink and powdered meal replacement shakes will now serve to bridge the gap between Danone’s consumer brands marketed for their health benefits, such as Activia and Actimel, and its clinical nutrition wing.
Danone said when announcing the deal that Huel’s range was supported by “best‑in‑class digital execution, strong digital direct-to-consumer sales and a fan base in the UK, Europe and the US”.
Profits at Huel soared by 40% in its last reported financial year, to 31 July 2025. Revenues were up 19% in the year to £254m, with £139m of that coming from the UK market.
Huel is now available in more than 17,000 stores in the UK, though many of its sales are made direct-to-consumer.
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