On April 9, 2026, the Latvian competition authority (KP) approved the acquisition of a fuel station located at Rīgas iela 107, Ķekava, by SIA Circle K Latvia (Circle K) from Sabiedrība ar ierobežotu atbildību Kalnakrogs (Kalnakrogs).

Circle K is a leading retailer of fuel and oil products in Latvia, providing fuel, car wash services, and convenience items at its stations. Kalnakrogs has operated as a franchise partner of Circle K, also offering fuel and convenience products.

The KP analyzed the merger's impact on competition in the retail markets for gasoline and diesel fuel, both for end consumers (B2C) and industrial clients (B2B) in Ķekava and surrounding areas. The authority concluded that the merger would not significantly alter market structure or reduce competition.

To prevent substantial decreases in competition due to mergers, the KP requires approval for transactions meeting specific criteria under competition law. This ensures state control over market concentration, preventing structural changes that could limit consumer choices or lead to non-competitive pricing.