Lebensmitteleinzelhandel: Kritik an Übernahme von Tegut-Filialen – Edeka widerspricht

Edeka's acquisition of 178 Tegut supermarkets has raised concerns among industry experts about a potential decrease in competition and negative impacts on consumers. Tomaso Duso, the President of the Monopoly Commission, warned against excessive market concentration and the adverse effects it may have on consumers. The Federal Cartel Office had previously granted approval for the acquisition, but Edeka had to reduce the number of Tegut stores it would take over from 242 to 178 due to the cartel's assessment.

This measure was taken to prevent a deterioration of consumer interests in the affected regions. Edeka defended its decision, stating that the Federal Cartel Office had carefully reviewed the acquisition in every regional market and found that competition would not be affected for all Tegut branches. The takeover will secure around 3,700 jobs and preserve local supply.

However, the four major chains - Edeka, Rewe, Aldi, and Schwarz-Gruppe (including Lidl and Kaufland) - currently dominate over 90% of Germany's grocery retail sales. The Monopoly Commission has doubts about the consolidation, as four large companies already control most of the supply in Germany. Suppliers often fear conflict with the four major players, making it difficult for regulators to address potential abuses of market power.

The Monopoly Commission had already warned in a special report by the end of 2025 about the high and increasing concentration in the grocery retail sector. The decision regarding Rewe's acquisition remains pending.