The alliance project between the French retailers Auchan and Intermarché, which involves the transfer of 167 Auchan supermarkets to the Intermarché or Netto brands, has entered its decisive phase. After months of anticipation, the process has taken a crucial step with the referral of the file to the competent national authority.
The European Commission has in fact established that the Competition Authority will evaluate the merger announced in November 2025 by the two large-scale food retail groups.
The decision, considered largely predictable by observers, officially kicks off the countdown to one of the most significant French retail dossiers in recent years. The regulator now has five weeks to analyze the complete documentation relating to the 167 stores affected by the transaction.
The examination will focus in particular on the effects that the relocation of supermarkets could have on competition in the various commercial areas, assessing any situations of excessive concentration and the potential impact on consumers.
According to the procedural timetable, the French Antitrust Authority's verdict is expected in early July, approximately five weeks after the filing of the full notification of the transaction.
The agreement represents one of the most significant reorganizations of the French distribution market in recent years. For Intermarché, the transaction would further strengthen its regional presence, while for Auchan, it is part of a broader process of rationalizing and revitalizing its sales network.
The outcome of the investigation will be crucial in determining the future of the 167 supermarkets involved and could impact the competitive balance of the large-scale retail sector in France, a market that has seen increased consolidation among the major operators in recent years.
