Statement by the Interim Commissioner of Competition on the abandoned Nortera-B&G Foods Canada merger

The proposed transaction involved Nortera's acquisition of B&G Foods Canada's Green Giant and Le Sieur brands

GATINEAU, QC, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ -- On October 6, 2026, Jeanne Pratt, Interim Commissioner of Competition, issued the following statement:

"The Competition Bureau is aware that Nortera and B&G Foods have jointly decided not to proceed with the proposed acquisition by Nortera of B&G Foods Canada's Green Giant and le Sieur Canadian vegetable business. This decision comes after the Bureau asked the Competition Tribunal to block the transaction.

We are pleased that a merger, which our investigation found was likely to harm competition, will not move forward.

This outcome demonstrates the importance of the Bureau's enforcement efforts in protecting competition in Canada's food sector and ensuring Canadians are not harmed through higher prices or reduced product choice.

Throughout our review, the Bureau carefully assessed the transaction's likely impact on competition and consumers. Our investigation concluded that the acquisition was likely to lead to less competition in the form of higher prices and fewer choices in the wholesale supply of certain canned and frozen vegetables in Canada.

Canned and frozen vegetables are everyday grocery staples that Canadians rely on. Preserving competition in these markets matters because competition leads to lower prices and ensures Canadians continue to have access to a variety of products at the grocery store.

We will continue to closely review mergers that may harm competition and take action when necessary to protect competition and support competitive markets for Canadians."

Quick facts  

• Nortera processes, markets and sells canned and frozen vegetables in Canada, including under the Del Monte and Arctic Gardens brands.  
• B&G Foods Canada markets and sells vegetables under the Green Giant and Le Sieur brands in Canada. 
• On August 19, 2026, the Bureau asked the Competition Tribunal to block Nortera Foods' proposed acquisition of B&G Foods Canada's Green Giant and Le Sieur brands.
• The Bureau's mandate is to review mergers and determine whether they are likely to harm competition in Canada.  
• Effective merger control is the first line of defence to protect competition. 

Related products

• Backgrounder: Competition Bureau seeks to block Nortera's proposed acquisition of B&G's Green Giant and Le Sieur Canadian vegetable business
• Competition Bureau – Notice of application

Associated links 

• Competition Bureau advances investigation into Sobeys' use of property controls across Canada
• Food supply chain project  

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth. 

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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