On May 22, 2026, the European Commission referred the examination of a joint venture between Auchan group and ITM Entreprises to the Autorité de la concurrence. This joint venture will operate 167 food retail stores in mainland France, currently controlled solely by Auchan.

Post-transaction, these stores will be rebranded under the Intermarhcé or Netto banners. The joint control by Auchan and Groupement Mousquetaires will be scrutinized, particularly regarding its effects on both upstream supply markets and local retail distribution.

The referral was made under Article 4(4) of the EU Merger Regulation, at the request of ITM Entreprises. The European Commission believes that the French competition authority is best suited to assess the transaction's impact on the French market.

This referral marks the 49th transaction referred to the Autorité de la concurrence since 2009, showcasing the flexibility of the European merger control regime.