Regulator finds the rebranding of 167 Auchan stores under Intermarché or Netto banners poses no competition risks in French retail.
France’s competition authority cleared a deal allowing 167 Auchan supermarkets and hypermarkets to rebrand as Intermarché or Netto under a joint venture. The regulator concluded the transaction would not harm competition in food retail or supply markets after a review triggered by the European Commission.
The approval follows a 2024 partnership expanded in late 2025 as Auchan restructured its French supermarket business. The authority assessed risks of price coordination or reduced service quality but found no evidence of anticompetitive effects. Half of the stores’ supplies already flow through the AURA purchasing alliance shared by both retailers.
The joint venture will be controlled by Intermarché’s parent, ITM Entreprises, and Auchan. No immediate market reaction was reported.