In the bidding war for Dutch supermarket chain C1000 five companies have reached the second round – according to Dutch website Distrifood. The site added two surprises to its main news: Belgian chain Delhaize would also have been among the bidders, Dutch market leader Albert Heijn wasn’t.
Five companies enter round two
The five companies that progressed are Dutch competitors Jumbo and Sligro, German cooperative chain Edeka and private equity firms Bain Capital (Toys“R”Us) and BC Partners (Migros Türk and Office Depot). All passed the rumoured 600 million euro barrier to get them in round two, but current owner CVC Capital hopes for at least one billion euro.
Experts believe that certain companies might still make it to round two, like Sperwer and possibly others who made a first round bid that was not high enough. Some companies might join in through joint bids: Jumbo will probably need a co-bidder to ensure the necessary amount.
Delhaize finally aiming for the Netherlands?
The most surprising news was probably that Belgian chain Delhaize would also have entered the bid, even though Food Lion’s owner did not make it to the second round. Still, this could mean that Delhaize is finally ready to make a move on the Dutch market. Even if the group is not entering the second round, Delhaize could still try to buy a few supermarkets that might come available after C1000’s sale is completed.
