For the first time ever, the Autorité de la concurrence blocks a merger

The Autorité de la concurrence today issues a decision in which it blocks the acquisition of joint control of a Géant Casino hypermarket located in the municipality of  Barberey-Saint-Sulpice (Aube) by Soditroy and Association des Centres Distributeurs E. Leclerc (hereinafter “ACDLec”).

Soditroy and the Association des Centres Distributeurs E. Leclerc were planning to acquire joint control of a Géant Casino hypermarket in the conurbation of Troyes.

This merger raised serious competition concerns relating to price increases for consumers and due to the absence of remedies capable of addressing the competition concerns identified, the Autorité had to block the merger.