Romania’s competition watchdog approves Ahold Delhaize‘s planned acquisition of local supermarket chain Profi. The retailer now expects to finalise the acquisition quickly.
2.7 billion euros
With the Romanian competition authority’s approval, the last condition for the transaction to take place has been met: both parties will now proceed to finalise the transaction, scheduled by early January 2025. Ahold Delhaize had already announced its intention to acquire Profi in October last year.
Profi, a former Louis Delhaize group chain, has had a presence in Romania since 2000. In 2016, the group came into the hands of investment fund MEP Retail Investments, part of Mid Europa Partners. The supermarket chain has 1,751 stores and achieved sales of 2.7 billion euros in the 12 months ending June 2024.
Nationwide coverage
Ahold Delhaize is paying 1.3 billion for the business. The acquisition will strengthen the group’s existing Romanian operations: the retailer operates there under the Mega Image brand with 977 stores, mainly in urban areas. After the acquisition, the group will also be able to better serve rural areas.
‘Romania is an attractive market experiencing continued growth in public wealth and spending power, driven by strong economic fundamentals,’ said Claude Sarrailh, CEO Ahold Delhaize Europe & Indonesia.
