Danone’s £864m Huel acquisition cleared by UK competition watchdog

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The UK Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has today (20 August 2026) cleared Danone’s £864 million acquisition of plant-based nutrition brand Huel.

Announced in March this year, the deal will bring Huel – which specialises in plant-based, functional nutrition offerings across categories including meal replacement shakes and ready meals – under Danone’s ownership, allowing it to benefit from the dairy giant’s global reach and R&D capabilities.

The CMA launched its merger inquiry in July, after inviting interested parties the opportunity to comment on any impact the transaction may have on competition within the UK market.

Now, ahead of its 11 September deadline to announce whether it would refer the merger for a phase 2 investigation, the CMA has confirmed it has given the two companies the green light.

Huel, headquartered in Hertfordshire, UK, was founded in 2015 and has since built a substantial consumer base within the functional nutrition segment in the UK, Europe and the US. Its portfolio spans RTD drinks, powdered beverages and savoury meals.

Danone’s acquisition aligns with its strategy to drive sustainable, profitable growth as the company widens its reach in the booming health and wellness segment and expands beyond its core dairy offerings. The company also acquired Kate Farms, a provider of plant-based medical nutrition products, last year.

Following the clearance by the CMA, which means Danone and Huel will not be subject to a more intensive phase 2 probe, the deal is expected to be completed in September 2026.

The senior leadership team at Huel will remain unchanged, with CEO James McMaster to remain at the helm.