The Bundeskartellamt has granted clearance for REWE to acquire 15 grocery stores operating under the 'Mein Real' brand, located across various cities in Germany. This decision comes as part of the ongoing insolvency proceedings of Real GmbH, which is currently under debtor-in-possession management due to financial difficulties.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, stated that the acquisition does not raise any competition concerns in the affected market areas. The authority emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse range of food retailers for consumer choice in local shopping. The clearance was expedited due to prior knowledge gained from similar cases involving the acquisition of Real stores by other retailers.

REWE's existing cooperation with 'Mein Real' in procurement was also a factor in the authority's decision. The approval allows REWE to continue exploring viable options for the affected stores, although the final acquisition will depend on negotiations with current lessors.

REWE is a significant player in the wholesale and retail sectors in Germany and Europe, with a reported turnover of 51 billion euros in Germany and 77 billion euros across Europe in 2022.