French competition authority examines Aura and Concordis retail purchasing alliances
Third-party stakeholders invited to submit competition concerns by March and July deadlines
FRANCE – France’s competition regulator has opened formal reviews into two retailer purchasing alliances, Aura and Concordis, as it assesses whether their operations risk distorting competition across supply chains and consumer markets.
L’Autorité de la Concurrence said the reviews will examine potential effects on suppliers, retailers, and shoppers, with a focus on both upstream manufacturing markets and downstream grocery distribution.
As part of the process, the watchdog has invited third parties to submit observations on possible competition issues, setting 6 March as the deadline for feedback on Aura and 31 July for Concordis.
Aura alliance under early scrutiny
Aura, launched in 2024, brings together French grocery groups Intermarché, Auchan, and Casino in a joint purchasing arrangement covering branded and private-label consumer goods.
Since its creation, Aura has also joined two wider European purchasing platforms, Everest and Epic Partners, extending its reach beyond France.
Everest includes retailers such as Germany’s Edeka, Dutch online grocer Picnic, and France’s Système U, while Epic Partners counts Italy’s Esselunga and Swiss retailer Migros among its members.
The French competition authority said it will assess not only Aura’s domestic operations but also its participation in these international structures where relevant.
Concordis review to follow
Concordis was formed last year by France’s Carrefour and Coopérative U for the joint purchasing of branded products, with Germany-based RTG International joining the alliance in August.
The alliance is expected to begin active operations this year, prompting the later July deadline for stakeholder submissions.
RTG International represents several German retail chains, including Rossmann, Globus, Bartels-Langness, Bünting, Netto, and Kaes.
According to the regulator, the Concordis review will mirror the Aura assessment by examining supplier relationships, retail competition, and consumer outcomes.
L’Autorité de la Concurrence said retailer purchasing alliances have multiplied as companies seek stronger negotiating positions with suppliers and more favourable commercial terms.
However, the authority warned that it has already identified several potential risks affecting both supply markets and retail distribution, which led to the decision to seek external input.
The upstream analysis will focus on possible constraints on supply volumes, declines in product quality, and weaker incentives for suppliers to invest or develop new products.
At the retail level, the regulator will assess whether alliances could lead to coordinated behaviour between retailers or uniform purchasing conditions that reduce competition.
The authority also said it will evaluate whether any cost savings achieved by the alliances are passed on to consumers through lower retail prices.
Aura has already agreed to modify aspects of its structure following earlier discussions with the watchdog, including commitments related to medium-sized suppliers.
In a statement issued in November, the regulator said Aura occupies a strong position in consumer goods purchasing and covers a wider range of suppliers than comparable alliances, prompting an agreement to exclude medium-sized enterprises from its scope.
Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
