The Competition Bureau has reached an agreement with Crop Production Services (Canada) Inc. (CPS) to sell certain retail outlets to resolve competition concerns related to its proposed acquisition of Andrukow Group Solutions Inc.

The Bureau's review of the transaction concluded that it would likely lead to a substantial lessening or prevention of competition in the retail supply of nitrogen-based fertilizers to farmers in certain markets in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Under the terms of the agreement, CPS will sell retail outlets in Sedgewick, Wainwright, St. Paul and Marwayne, in Alberta. This will address competition concerns and preserve competition for the retail sale of fertilizers to farmers in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

In reaching its conclusions in this matter, the Bureau considered information provided by market participants in Western Canada, including growers and competitors.

Quick Facts

CPS, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Agrium Inc., and Andrukow both provide products and services to Western Canadian growers, including fertilizers, crop protection products, seeds, and agronomic services.

Mergers in Canada are subject to review by the Bureau under the Competition Act to ensure that they will not result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition.

Related Information

Competition Bureau statement regarding CPS' proposed acquisition of Andrukow

Associated Link

A copy of the consent agreement is available on the Competition Tribunal website.