The Competition Authority is seeking views on the acquisition by Samkaup hf. of 14 stores from Basko ehf.

The Competition Authority is now investigating the competitive effects of the merger resulting from Samkaup hf.'s acquisition of the assets of 14 stores from Basko verslanir ehf. As this merger concerns markets of significant public interest, the Competition Authority has decided to publicly solicit the views of the public and businesses on the merger's impact on competition. To allow the public and other interested parties to familiarise themselves with the matter, the Competition Authority has published the merger notification for the case on its website.

 The investigation into the matter began after a satisfactory merger notification was received by the Competition Authority on 25 June.   Merger notification

Research subject

In this case, the Competition Authority must investigate whether the merger in question hinders effective competition by creating or strengthening the dominant position of one or more undertakings, or otherwise significantly distorting competition in the market, in accordance with Article 17. para. c of the Competition Act.

 In its investigation, the Competition Authority is considering, among other things, the potential local effects of the merger in areas where the number of competitors will decrease as a result. The Competition Authority is in particular examining whether the remaining competitors in certain areas will provide the merging parties with sufficient competitive constraint following the merger. In this context, the Competition Authority is looking at, among other things, the grocery market in Akureyri and Reykjanesbær. The Competition Authority is also looking at possible effects in certain areas of the capital region.

Views requested

This notice provides all interested parties with an opportunity to submit their views on the merger. Submissions are requested to be received by the Competition Authority no later than 27th July. They can be sent to the email address samkeppni@samkeppni.is or by post to: The Competition Authority, Borgartún 26, 125 Reykjavík – P.O. Box 5120.

Procedure – time limits

The Competition Authority has 25 working days to decide whether there is a need for a further investigation into the competitive effects of a merger. If so, the Authority has a further 70 working days to make a decision in the matter.