Shoprite Checkers has received approval to acquire multiple liquor stores, including some from its biggest competitors, Pick ‘n Pay and SPAR.
On Thursday, the Competition Commission announced the approval of four transactions in which Shoprite Checkers will buy stores from these competitors.
In the first transaction, Shoprite Checkers will acquire SPAR Carolina’s grocery and liquor business, including TOPS. The Commission has approved this acquisition without conditions.
The second transaction involves Shoprite Checkers purchasing a Pick ‘n Pay Liquor Store owned by Van Riebeeck Park Foodlane. This acquisition has also been approved without conditions.
In the third deal, Shoprite Checkers will take over Sean’s Discount Liquor, a liquor business owned by Issken. This acquisition, too, received unconditional approval.
Additionally, Shoprite Checkers will acquire SPAR Diepkloof, a grocery store located in Gauteng’s Diepkloof Square Mall, from Manuglo, a privately-owned company.
The Commission stated that these transactions are unlikely to significantly reduce competition in the market. Moreover, the acquisitions do not raise public interest concerns.