Competition Council: Concerns over Mega Image’s Profi acquisition

The Competition Council has expressed a series of competitive concerns regarding the transaction through which Delhaize “The Lion” Nederland B.V. (Mega Image) is acquiring Profi Rom Food S.R.L.

The concerns, arising from the analysis conducted by the competition authority, pertain to both the retail market and the procurement market for predominantly food consumer products.

In some local markets where both networks are present, the transaction could reduce consumers’ choices for purchasing food products.

Additionally, the transaction might negatively impact the activities of some suppliers, considering the reduction in the number of purchasing companies and the strengthening of Mega Image’s position in the procurement market.

“As you know, the European Commission agreed to transfer the analysis of this case to us at our request, given that the Romanian market is the most affected. This is the largest transaction in the retail market in Romania, and a complex analysis is required. That’s why we are consulting with authorities from other member states that have handled similar transactions, but we also want to hear the views of those affected: agricultural producers and processors, competitors, consumer associations,” said Bogdan Chirițoiu, President of the Competition Council.

Delhaize “The Lion” Nederland B.V. (Mega Image) may submit commitment proposals to the Competition Council to address the competitive concerns.

The proposed commitments will be evaluated, and the competition authority will consult third parties regarding their effectiveness through a market test.

The Competition Council invites potential comments from suppliers and/or competitors regarding the competitive concerns raised by the authority via email at bunuri.consum@consiliulconcurentei.ro or by mail to the following address: Competition Council, Piaţa Presei Libere nr. 1, Casa Presei, corp D1, sector 1, Bucharest, postal code 013701, Post Office No. 25.

Mega Image reacts

Mega image reacted to the press release published by the Competition Council regarding competition concerns regarding the takeover of Profi by Ahold Delhaize. “Ahold Delhaize and Mega Image are currently in detailed discussions with the competition authority to address the concerns mentioned in that press release,” Mega Image representatives say.

Mega Image considers that the concerns raised by the competition authority are a natural step in the process of authorization of the transaction, provided by the applicable legislation.

“Ahold Delhaize and Mega Image are currently working on a set of appropriate and appropriate commitments, according to the applicable legal provisions on economic concentrations, following the specific procedure before the Competition Council. We are convinced that the commitments that will be proposed to the competition authority will be satisfactory and adequate to eliminate the concerns raised”. conclude the retailer’s representatives.