The Danish competition authority, led by Chairman Christian Schultz, has given the green light for Salling Group to acquire 33 store properties and leases from Coop Danmark. This decision comes after the parties involved opted to exclude two stores from the merger, which had initially included 35 stores.

During the review process, the authority identified potential competition issues in two local areas, Taastrup and Slagelse, prompting the removal of those stores from the merger agreement. Following this adjustment, the authority concluded that the acquisition would not significantly hinder competition in the affected markets.

Post-merger, all major national players, including Coop Danmark, will continue to operate grocery stores in the local areas impacted by the acquisition. The 31 stores involved in the deal operate under various brand names, including 365discount, Kvickly, and SuperBrugsen, with locations spread across several cities in Denmark.

Salling Group operates discount stores, supermarkets, and hypermarkets under the brands Netto, Føtex, and Bilka, and currently owns over 600 stores in Denmark. Coop Danmark manages brands such as Kvickly, SuperBrugsen, 365discount, and Brugsen.