Control of Mergers in Grocery Retail Market in Croatia ^☆

The results shown in this chapter resulted from the scientific project (Hrvatsko pravo nakon reforme nadzora koncentracija u Europskoj zajednici, 067-0671442-1439) financed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport of the Republic of Croatia.

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this chapter is to analyse the decisions of the Croatian Competition Agency in the field of grocery retail mergers in the 2004–2009 period. In particular, various criteria used by the Competition Agency to evaluate grocery retail mergers are identified and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the comparative approach the author attempts to detect the relevant sources for certain solutions embraced by the Competition Agency by examining especially the relevant practice of the European Commission as well as relevant decisions adopted by some competition authorities in EU member states.

Findings

The grocery retail market in Croatia has seen a flurry of mergers since 2004 with the largest competitor spreading to various local markets. For the Croatian competition authority this merger wave has perhaps been the biggest challenge since its inception. In the face of growing market concentration, the authority saw fit to shift from initially providing green light to duly notified transactions to subsequently addressing serious competition concerns by ordering a number of remedies. The Croatian competition authority relied extensively on EU acquis when deciding on specific merger cases, especially as regards the relevant market definition.

Originality/value

The value of the chapter is reflected in the fact that this kind of comparative analysis of Croatian merger cases in the field of grocery retail mergers was not available before. It is especially in the light of the accession of Croatia to the EU, as foreseen on 1 July 2013, that this kind of study becomes useful both for domestic but also EU audience.

Citation

Kaufman, J.P. (2013), "Control of Mergers in Grocery Retail Market in Croatia ^☆

The results shown in this chapter resulted from the scientific project (Hrvatsko pravo nakon reforme nadzora koncentracija u Europskoj zajednici, 067-0671442-1439) financed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sport of the Republic of Croatia.

", Challenges for the Trade of Central and Southeast Europe (International Business and Management, Vol. 29), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 95-122. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-066X(2013)0000029010