Supermarket Newsletter – No. 34 –
ACM PUBLISHES COOP/PLUS MERGER DECISION
In the supermarket newsletter of December 22, 2021 we informed you that ACM had announced that it approved the merger of Coop and Plus on the condition that supermarkets must be sold in 12 market areas, namely the shops in Harmelen, Hollandscheveld, Rolde, Ruurlo, Stolwijk, Terborg, Wehl, Groot -Ammers, Wekerom, Ravenstein, Uddel and Vlieland. Seven of these supermarkets are operated by franchisees.
On January 6, ACM published its full decision , in which it explains why it has approved the merger. It is remarkable that ACM considers that online sales have increased, but that it still believes that these sales should not be included in its assessment. In this context, ACM points out that no provider has a full national network and that Plus and Coop have a limited market share (8%) in the online market in relation to, for example, Albert Heijn (50%) and Picnic and Jumbo (20%). .
In its decision, ACM also considers that the viability, marketability and competitiveness of the 12 supermarkets to be divested would be sufficiently safeguarded in the remedy proposal of Coop en Plus that ACM accepted.
This would appear, among other things, from the obligations of Coop and Plus contained therein, which – in short – amount to the fact that they must do everything they can to ensure that the supermarkets to be transferred retain their value and remain viable and competitive. An independent trustee is appointed to oversee the above. In the event that the parties fail to sell the supermarkets within the set (undisclosed) timeframes, a sales trustee will be appointed and authorized to transfer the supermarkets.
It is definitely recommended that the entrepreneurs involved seek the assistance of experts, so that they can properly assess the opportunities and risks of the above process. The decision may also offer opportunities for entrepreneurs of other formats to expand.
As a specialist in (supermarket) franchise and market leader, Ludwig & Van Dam has ample
experience in guiding such projects.
For more information:
Jeroen Strong Alex Dolphin
Email: Sterk@ludwigvandam.nl Email: dolphijn@ludwigvandam.nl
Do you want to respond? Then email to info@ludwigvandamadvocaten.nl
Other messages
Article Mr. C. Damen – “When does the obligation to provide proof apply for the submission of the franchise agreement?” dated August 17, 2020
Does the obligation to produce information apply to showing a (franchise) agreement in proceedings if the parties to the proceedings do not have a legal relationship to the (franchise) agreement?
Article Mr. AW Dolphijn – “How do you value a franchise company with a discharge loan?” – dated August 14, 2020
A discharge loan is a proven means of franchisors to find long-term franchisees.
Article De Nationale Franchise Gids: “Information obligations of the intended franchisee under the Franchise Act” – dated August 7, 2020 – mr. AW Dolphin
Although the purpose of the Franchise Act is to protect franchisees against franchisors, a number of obligations have also been laid down for franchisees.
Legislative text of the Franchise Act – dated July 24, 2020 – mr. AW Dolphin
The legal text of the Franchise Act was published in the Staatsblad on 1 July 2020. The full legal text reads as follows:
Law Franchise – dated July 23, 2020 – mr. AW Dolphin
The Franchise Act will have a considerable impact on both franchisors and franchisees.
Contractual dissolution requirements not observed? No legal dissolution of the franchise agreement – dated July 23, 2020 – mr. C. Damen
Can a franchisor terminate the franchise agreement if it has failed to comply with its own contractual requirements?