L'Competition Authority turns the spotlight on the large purchasing alliances of organised distribution and launches, for the first time, a formal competitive evaluation on two of the main agreements currently active on the French market: Aura e concordisThe initiative marks a significant step forward in transalpine antitrust policy, because it is not limited to preventive control, but aims to measure the real effects of these alliances on the functioning of the market, along the entire supply chain.
The analysis will take into account the economic benefits declared by retailers – in particular the strengthening of negotiating power and economies of scale – but also of potential risks to competition, such as a reduction in the supply of consumer goods, a possible decline in quality, and a reduced push for upstream innovation. The downstream market is also under observation, where the Authority will evaluate whether alliances could foster forms of coordination or standardized purchasing conditions in distribution. A key point of the investigation will be to understand whether these agreements produce a real benefit for end consumers, translating into lower prices on the shelves.
The regulatory process does not start from scratch. Already in Opinion 15-A-06, the Competition Authority had identified the main competitive risks of purchasing alliances. Macron Law of 2015 introduced the obligation of prior notification beyond certain turnover thresholds, while the Egalim Law I of 2018 made it possible to make an ex post evaluation of the effects on the market. Aura, established in September 2024 by Intermarché, Auchan e Casino Group, covers branded and private label food products, as well as international services negotiations. In 2025 it joined the European group Everest. concordis, born in July 2025 on the initiative of Carrefour, Cooperative U and the German group RTG, will become operational in 2026 and concerns industrial-brand products. Interested parties can submit comments by March 6 for Aura and July 31 for Concordis. The results of the analyses are expected between 2026 and 2027, with potential impact beyond France and potentially influencing the European debate on the role of purchasing alliances in large-scale retail.
