EC: Lidl's purchase of Plus chains in Romania and Bulgaria might affect competition on local markets

The European Commission sent an evaluation of the proposal of Lidl to purchase Plus chains in Romania and Bulgaria. After an investigation, the Commission concluded that the transaction might affect competition on local markets in the two countries.

According to the European Commission, Plus Romania and Bulgaria sells general use goods. Lidl plans to purchase them from the Tengelmann group. Lidl belongs to the Schwarz group who owns over 9000 stores in 23 countries from Europe, including Romania and Bulgaria.