The Competition Council has a series of competition concerns regarding the transaction by which Delhaize „The Lion” Nederland BV (Mega Image) takes over Profi Rom Food SRL, according to a press release from the competition authority, sent to AGERPRES on Wednesday.

„The concerns resulting from the analysis carried out by the competition authority concern both the retail market and the market for the purchase of products for current consumption, mainly food,” the press release states.

Thus, in some local markets, where the two networks are present, the operation may lead to the reduction of consumer choices for the purchase of food products.

Also, the transaction could generate negative effects on the activity of some suppliers considering, on the one hand, the reduction of the number of acquiring companies and, on the other hand, 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 that the Romanian market is the most affected. It is the largest transaction on the retail market in Romania and a complex analysis is needed. That’s why we consult with the authorities from other member states that have managed similar transactions, but we also want to find out the points of view of those affected: agricultural producers and processors, competitors, consumer associations,” Bogdan Chiritoiu, the president of the Competition Council, said as quoted in the press release.

Delhaize „The Lion” Nederland B.V. (Mega Image) can submit proposals for commitments to the Competition Council to remove competition concerns. The commitment proposals will be assessed, and the competition authority will consult third parties regarding their effectiveness, in the form of a market test.

AGERPRES