Rewe considers Unimarkt acquisition: Branches are to be retained

The Rewe group is positioning itself for the takeover of Unimarkt locations. This is likely to involve converting them into Adeg, and in some cases, Penny and Billa branches. How many stores they want to take over, Rewe Austria CEO Marcel Haraszti did not want to reveal in the APA interview, but he shows great interest in increasing the market share in Upper Austria.

Rewe Group Positions Itself for the Takeover of Unimarkets

Unimarkt has offered its approximately 90 locations to competitors for purchase and would like to complete the transactions by the end of the year. Due to the market concentration in the Austrian food retail sector, it is expected that the Federal Competition Authority (BWB) will examine this closely. Whether a seamless transition can be achieved in this short time, Haraszti leaves open. "That doesn't depend on us, there are many players who co-decide this process," he says. "The end of the year is certainly ambitious, but not unrealistic," it could theoretically take longer - "and it is of course also important that the merchants have a say." It should be added that Spar, Lidl, and Hofer have also already signaled interest in locations.

Upper Austria an Attractive Area for Rewe

Upper Austria, where about half of the Unimarkt branches are located, is an attractive area for the Rewe group. Because here, compared to other federal states, they still have a relatively low market share. "We would be pleased to be better represented here," says Haraszti. Nationwide, Rewe currently has around one-third market share in the food retail sector with Billa, Billa Plus, Penny, and Adeg.

Primarily, he sees a future for Unimarkt branches as Adeg stores, because the "rural merchant model" is similar, but Billa branches or locations of the discounter Penny are also possible. "For Penny, this would be a good entry. Penny currently has only 46 branches in Upper Austria." That individual Unimarkets become Bipa branches is not excluded, but rather unlikely, as is the case with Billa Plus.

Jobs Should Be Retained

In general, Haraszti sees Unimarkt and Rewe as very compatible: "We are a cooperative in our DNA. Our owners are the merchants in Germany. Unimarkt also has many merchants," he says. "We want the Unimarkt locations to be continued to ensure the future of food supply in Upper Austria," he points out that many communities - there are 580 nationwide - no longer have their own local supplier, with the trend increasing.

And Haraszti assures that they want to offer Unimarkt employees "a secure job." "We are also aiming to generate more sales with Adeg and Billa due to the brand. This will tend to create more jobs." He also wants to address employees from locations "that we do not get or that are closed," saying, "we welcome every application."

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.