Bundeskartellamt clears takeover of Jibi by Bünting

The Bundeskartellamt has today cleared the complete acquisition of Jibi Handel GmbH & Co. by J. Bünting Beteiligungs AG in the first phase of merger control.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt: "By acquiring 88 Jibi outlets Bünting has further expanded its market position as one of the larger regional food retailers. This follows its acquisition in 2013 of 33 Minipreis outlets which was cleared by us. Today's clearance shows that there are indeed alternative potential buyers to EDEKA or REWE for smaller food retailers willing to sell their businesses.“

With around 400 outlets (including independent retailers) Bünting is predominantly active in the north-west part of Germany. The 88 Jibi outlets acquired are located withing a radius of approx. 150 kilometres of Jibi's headquarters in Bielefeld. In the past Jibi was a member of a purchasing cooperation with Bünting. EDEKA is by far the leading food retailer in nearly all the regional markets affected by the acquisition. The expansion of Bünting's market position is therefore likely to stimulate competition in these markets.