On some markets where the two networks operate, the deal may lead to narrowing consumer choices of food purchases and could also generate negative effects on the business of certain suppliers, due to, on the one hand, the reduction in the number of purchasing companies and, on the other, the consolidation of Mega Image’s position on the procurement market.
“As you know, the European Commission agreed to transfer the analysis of this case to us at our request, considering the Romanian market is the most affected of all. This is the largest transaction on the retail market in Romania and it requires a complex analysis. Which is why we are consulting with authorities in other member states that managed similar deals but also want to learn what those affected – agricultural producers and processors, competitors, consumer associations, think,” explains Bogdan Chiritoiu, chairman of the Competition Council.
Last fall, Dutch-Belgian group Ahold Delhaize, which already owns the Mega Image retail chain in Romania, announced it would buy rival Profi from buyout investor Mid Europa Partners for EUR1.3 billion (pre-IFRS. The deal includes more than 1,700 stores in 850 cities and towns in Romania.
(English version by Loredana Fratila-Cristescu)