Jeronimo Martins‘ is looking to expand its Polish operations by acquiring sites from local rivals.
The UOKiK, the Polish competition watchdog, has confirmed that the Portuguese retailer wants to buy nine shops in Warsaw, Lomianki and Bialystok from retail chain Marcpol.
Meanwhile, Eurocash, the Polish cash-and-carry unit of Jeronimo Martins, has informed UOKiK that it wishes to acquire 14 companies that are controlled by Lubla-based Emperia Holding.
Jeronimo Martins has a major presence in Poland, which accounts for 60% of its total sales – more than in its native Portugal.
A spokesperson from UOKiK said that Jeronimo Martins notified it about the proposed sale on 12 September. Under Polish law, proceedings for cases of mergers should be completed within within two months of the date the notification, he said.
Jeronimo Martins was not available for comment at the time of writing.
