Press release from the Competition Council regarding the economic concentration project concerning the creation of the joint venture « ECOSPHERE GRAINS S.A.S » by the agricultural cooperative « COPAG » and the company « MILLCORP GENEVE S.A. »

In accordance with the provisions of Article 13 of Law No. 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition and Article 10 of Decree No. 2-14-652 adopted for its implementation as amended and supplemented, the Competition Council makes available to the public the « summary of the operation » below, containing the information provided by the parties.

This information was prepared by the notifying parties, who are solely responsible. Any inaccurate or distorted information contained therein does not in any way prejudge the Competition Council’s position on the proposed operation.

The publication of this press release does not attest to the completeness of the file provided for in Article 9 of Decree No. 2-14-652 as amended and supplemented adopted for the implementation of Law No. 104-12 on freedom of prices and competition as amended and supplemented.

Names of companies and individuals involved:

• The agricultural cooperative « COPAG »;
• The company « MILLCORP GENEVE S.A ».

Nature of the operation:

• Creation of a joint venture.

Economic sector concerned:

• Marketing of soft wheat, durum wheat, and animal nutrition products.

Deadline for interested third parties to submit their observations:

• 10 days from the date of publication of this press release, i.e. April 15, 2024.

NON-CONFIDENTIAL SUMMARY OF THE OPERATION PROVIDED BY THE PARTIES

The Competition Council received notification of an economic concentration project concerning the creation of the joint venture « ECOSPHERE GRAINS S.A.S » by the agricultural cooperative « COPAG » and the company « MILLCORP GENEVE S.A ».

« COPAG » is a Moroccan agricultural cooperative, headquartered in the industrial zone Aït lazza، Taroudant 83200, operating in the agri-food industry, specifically in the production and marketing of dairy products and derivatives, citrus fruits, vegetables, and meats.

« MILLCORP GENEVE S.A » is a Swiss public limited company based in Geneva, active in international trade and specialized in trading operations, distribution of cereals, and oilseeds.

The company « ECOSPHERE GRAINS S.A.S » will be established by the parties in the form of a Moroccan simplified joint-stock company. Its purpose will be general trading, buying, selling, marketing, and import-export of soft wheat, durum wheat, and animal nutrition products.

Done in Rabat on April 4, 2024.