Retail: Edeka: cartel investigation against purchasing alliance discontinued

2023-07-14 17:14:41

Handel Edeka: Cartel investigation against purchasing alliance closed

Edeka describes the decision as a “strong signal and confirmation of the actions of international purchasing alliances”. photo

© Gregor Fischer/dpa

The EU Commission is ending investigations into purchasing alliances. According to their own statements, the competition authorities see no reason to continue investigations.

To the delight of Edeka, the EU Commission has stopped investigations into the purchasing alliances Agecore and Coopernic. The competition watchdog said there were insufficient reasons to continue the investigation.

The Chairman of the Board of Edeka Central Foundation & Co. KG, Markus Mosa, described the decision in a published communication as a “strong signal and confirmation of the actions of international purchasing alliances”. Edeka was still a member of Agecor when the investigations started. Edeka is currently a member of the Epic shopping alliance.

Supermarket giants like Edeka and Rewe have been building on such alliances for a long time. Last but not least, the alliances should strengthen their position in the price game with the manufacturers. The aim is to join forces with other chains and secure good conditions in international negotiations.

According to the EU Commission, such alliances can lead to lower prices, greater variety or better quality products for consumers. However, depending on the circumstances, such agreements could have the opposite effect and allow restrictions of competition resulting in higher prices or reduced supply.

dpa