The Bundeskartellamt has finalized its antitrust review of the 'Fit-For-Future' (FFF) group's plans to reform press distribution in Germany. After significant improvements were made to the initial proposal, the authority has decided not to take further action and has closed the administrative procedure.

The proposed model introduces a central press wholesaler, the Press-Grosso-Allianz (PGA), which will replace the existing 13 regional monopolistic wholesalers. The PGA will be owned by a holding company comprising publishers and wholesalers, and it will handle the buying and selling of press products while outsourcing logistics to various regional partners.

Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt, emphasized two key points during the review: the need for non-discriminatory access to press distribution for all publishers and the continued availability of press products nationwide, including in less populated areas. Following multiple market consultations, a concept has been developed that meets these requirements, ensuring stable distribution conditions until the end of 2030.

The Press-Grosso system is crucial as it relies on industry-wide agreements between publishers and wholesalers regarding delivery, pricing, and territorial divisions, which could potentially violate antitrust laws. Currently, while there are many wholesalers, each operates as a monopolist in their distribution area without competition among them.

In 2013, the legislature granted the Press-Grosso system antitrust privileges to ensure press diversity and comprehensive supply. The system must provide widespread delivery, be non-discriminatory, offer fair access to all publishers, and limit competitive restrictions to what is necessary.

Mundt also highlighted the importance of strengthening the influence of smaller publishers in the new system. The Bundeskartellamt has ensured that all press publishers can participate in the PGA, either directly or indirectly, depending on their size. An independent clearing house will be established for retailers and publishers to address complaints, and a separate, publisher-independent company will manage the selection of press assortments to ensure neutrality.

The implementation of the reform involves several company formations that were subject to merger control and have been approved.