The French competition authority, known as Autorité de la concurrence, has initiated an investigation into the AURA alliance, which includes major retailers Intermarché, Auchan, and Casino. This investigation is based on the purchasing agreements that were notified under Article L. 462-10 of the French Commercial Code, following the Macron Law of 2015.

The AURA alliance holds a significant position in the consumer goods supply market, distinguishing itself from other buying alliances by including a considerable number of medium-sized enterprises (ETIs) among its suppliers. However, concerns were raised regarding potential upstream risks associated with certain suppliers within this alliance.

In response to the investigation, the AURA alliance has agreed to exclude several ETI suppliers from its purchasing scope. This decision will require these suppliers to return to individual negotiations, although it will not affect the affiliation relationship between ITM and AMC (Casino).

The General Rapporteur of the Autorité de la concurrence has acknowledged AURA's compliance with the request to limit the alliance's supplier scope and will continue to monitor any risks that may impact suppliers involved in such buying alliances.