Paris, February 17, 2026 — France’s Autorité de la concurrence has completed its review of Groupement Les Mousquetaires’ acquisition of 43 Colruyt supermarkets in eastern and central-eastern France, clearing 28 transactions unconditionally and approving three subject to divestment commitments in local markets where competition concerns were identified.
The review forms part of a broader operation announced in June 2025, when Les Mousquetaires submitted a firm offer to acquire 81 Colruyt stores. Given French notification thresholds, the Autorité examined 31 separate mergers covering 43 supermarkets. The authority said it conducted a rapid but thorough assessment of the impact on local food retail markets, issuing decisions generally within three weeks of notification.
While the transactions were found not to raise concerns on upstream supply markets, the Autorité focused its analysis on local retail competition, assessing whether replacing the Colruyt banner with Intermarché or Netto would significantly reduce consumer choice. In most areas, consumers were deemed to retain sufficient alternatives for both daily and larger shopping trips.
Les Mousquetaires takeover Concerns
However, in Poligny (Jura), Brazey-en-Plaine (Côte-d’Or), and Sainte-Foy-l’Argentière (Rhône), the authority identified risks of harm to competition. To address these concerns, ITM Entreprises and the relevant acquiring members committed to divest one store in each of the three areas to one or more competitors approved by the Autorité. The divestitures include the Poligny store and adjoining service station, as well as stores in Brazey-en-Plaine and Sainte-Foy-l’Argentière.
The Autorité said the commitments will preserve effective local competition and safeguard consumer interests. An independent trustee will oversee their implementation.
The decision is part of a broader wave of retail consolidation. Over the past two years, the authority has reviewed banner changes affecting more than 650 stores, with remedies imposed where necessary. In total, 28 stores — less than 5% of those acquired in recent transactions — have been divested to maintain competitive conditions in local markets.
