The Austrian competition authority (AFCA) announced that Sprengnetter, part of the Scout 24 Group, has withdrawn its intention to acquire IMMOunited GmbH and lexunited – online information system GmbH. This decision comes after concerns were raised regarding the potential impact of the merger on competition in the real estate digital services market.

Initially, the AFCA applied to the Cartel Court for an in-depth review of the merger on June 13, 2025, citing worries that the merger could lead to increased prices, reduced competition, and higher barriers to market entry. The review aimed to assess market definitions and shares to determine if the merger would create or enhance a dominant position for the involved parties.

As part of the review process, the Cartel Court commissioned an expert opinion on competition economics, which supported the AFCA's concerns. However, on December 2, 2025, Sprengnetter officially withdrew its merger notification, leading the Cartel Court to reject the AFCA's request for examination due to the absence of a planned merger.

The AFCA highlighted the importance of pre-notification talks, which allow companies to discuss potential competition law issues before formally notifying the authority of a merger. This process is particularly beneficial in complex cases to ensure efficient merger control.

As of now, the decision regarding the merger is not final, and the AFCA continues to monitor the situation.