The U.K. antitrust watchdog launched an initial merger probe into the proposed $1.2 billion acquisition of Huel by Danone to examine whether the deal would lessen competition in the country. Danone, the French food company behind Activia yogurt and Evian water, agreed to buy the British supplier of plant-based food powders and meal-replacement drinks earlier this year.

The Competition and Markets Authority said Wednesday that a deadline of Sept. 11 has been set for its phase 1 decision from the inquiry, which will determine whether the merger is referred for a more in-depth phase 2 investigation. The CMA launched an information-gathering assessment in May as it invited interested parties to submit any initial views on the impact of the transaction on competition in the U.K.