On March 7, 2025, the Latvian competition authority received a merger notification from Circle K Latvia regarding its intention to acquire decisive influence over the assets of Astarte-Nafta, specifically a network of 26 fuel stations in Latvia.

Circle K Latvia is a leading retailer in the fuel market, involved in the retail of fuel, autogas, oil products, convenience foods, hot beverages, and essential goods. The company operates a network of 72 full-service and automatic fuel stations in Latvia, including franchises.

Astarte-Nafta, the other party in the merger, also engages in fuel retail and wholesale, offering autogas, convenience foods, hot beverages, and essential goods at its stations.

The merger could potentially impact competition in several local markets for gasoline, diesel, and autogas in the administrative territories of Tukums, Jelgava, Jēkabpils, Limbaži, and Dobele, as well as surrounding areas (2-3 km). It may also affect fuel retail and wholesale across Latvia and the sale of goods (such as convenience foods, hot beverages, and automotive products) at fuel stations.

The competition authority must decide on the merger's approval, prohibition, or conditional approval within one month of receiving the notification. If a more in-depth investigation is required, the decision period may be extended to four months.

Market participants or other interested parties wishing to provide feedback on the merger's impact on competition are invited to submit their opinions by March 31, 2025, either by contacting the senior expert Vita Ozere or by filling out a form on the competition authority's website.