AURA buying alliance (Auchan, Intermarché, Casino): the Investigation Services have notified a report to the members of the alliance as part of the competitive assessment procedure

In accordance with Article L. 462-10, II of the French Commercial Code (Code de commerce), the Investigation Services have conducted an ex post competitive assessment of the AURA buying alliance, taking into account its impact on producers, processors and distributors, as well as on final consumers.

The AURA buying alliance, which brings together Intermarché, Auchan and Casino, covers food products, including both manufacturer brand products and retailer own-label products, as well as the negotiation of international services.

The competitive assessment, set out in a report notified to AURA and its members, identifies practices arising from the implementation of the alliance that could significantly harm competition within the meaning of Articles L. 420-1 and L. 420-2 of the French Commercial Code.

The findings established by the Investigation Services at the report stage are without prejudice to the decision that will ultimately be taken by the Board of the Autorité de la concurrence.