Copenhagen, May 28, 2025 — The Danish Competition and Consumer Authority (DCCA) has found that Rema 1000 Denmark provided “incorrect, incomplete or misleading” information during its 2023 merger filing with Aldi Denmark — a move that could result in a significant fine exceeding 5 million Danish kroner (approximately $725,000 USD).
The authority announced on Wednesday that the grocery chain failed to disclose key details about a new store project in Brøndby when notifying the regulator about the merger in March 2023. Specifically, Rema 1000 did not inform the DCCA that it had received a building permit for the Brøndby location just one week prior to the filing.
“In order to make a decision that ensures a merger does not harm competition and consumers, we must receive complete and timely information,” said Tine Rønde, Deputy Director General of the DCCA. “This information should have been submitted at the time of the merger notification.”
Despite the omission, the DCCA said the withheld information did not ultimately impact its approval of the merger, which was granted in August 2023 after Rema 1000 agreed to divest stores in Bjerringbro, Hadsund, and Væggerløse.
The Danish Competition Council has instructed the authority to proceed with the case and pursue a financial penalty against Rema 1000. Under the Danish Competition Act, companies may be fined if they intentionally or negligently provide misleading information during merger proceedings.
The case highlights the importance of full transparency in merger notifications, especially given the strict deadlines regulators face in evaluating such deals. The final amount of the fine will be determined after further investigation.
Rema 1000 has not yet publicly commented on the matter.
