Tesco may take over Leader Price. In the opinion of the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection, the transaction will not disrupt competition on the market

The transaction, which was notified to UOKiK in August 2006, is a consequence of the decision of Casino Group to withdraw from the Polish market due to debts and lack of funds for further development of its network. Following this strategy the French concern decided to sell Geant and Leader Price. The first transaction, due to the turnover of the participating companies, had to be notified to the European Commission which appoved it in September this year. The second transaction was approved by UOKiK.

Having concluded the relevant proceedings, the President of the Office decided that the takeover of Leader Price by Tesco would not restrict competition. Even on the local markets where the joint share of both companies exceeds 20%, the entrepreneurs have to compete for customers with numerous stores selling similar products.

UOKiK issued the decision on 21 November. The decision will enable Tesco to operate in further 53 towns where until now there have been stores operating under the Leader Price brand.

Additional information:
Elżbieta Anders, Spokesperson of UOKiK
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warsaw
Phone 22 827 28 92, 55 60 106, 55 60 314
faks 22 826 11 86

E-mail eanders@uokik.gov.pl