Federal Cartel Office initiates main investigation proceedings into REWE's acquisition of Feneberg

The Federal Cartel Office (Bundeskartellamt) has initiated a main investigation procedure regarding the planned acquisition of part of the business operations of Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH by REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG. The decision was made by letter dated August 3, 2026, pursuant to Section 40(1) sentence 1 of the Act against Restraints of Competition (GWB) and was published in the Federal Gazette (Bundesanzeiger) on September 3, 2026, as Announcement No. 13/2026 dated August 13, 2026.

Subject of the Procedure and Parties Involved

The subject of the merger project is the acquisition of part of the seller’s business operations by the acquirer, insofar as an acquisition of assets, shares, and control exists. The companies involved are:

• Acquirer: REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG, Cologne
• Seller: Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH, Kempten/Allgäu (i. I.)
• Form of merger: Acquisition of part of the business operations, insofar as acquisition of assets, shares, and control
• Business activity: Food retail

Legal Basis and Jurisdiction

The main investigation procedure is based on Section 40(1) sentence 1 of the Act against Restraints of Competition. According to this, the Federal Cartel Office notifies the companies involved that it is conducting an in-depth examination of the merger project if the requirements for a prohibition or clearance have not been conclusively clarified. Jurisdiction lies with the 4th Decision Division of the Federal Cartel Office, which is conducting the procedure under case number B4 – 35/26.

The announcement was signed on behalf of the Chairperson of the Decision Division by Dubberstein and executed at the authority’s seat in Bonn on August 13, 2026.

Significance for the Food Retail Sector

The project affects the food retail sector in southern Germany, where Feneberg Lebensmittel GmbH, based in Kempten im Allgäu, operates a regional branch network. The acquisition by REWE-ZENTRALFINANZ eG from Cologne could change the competitive landscape in the affected regional markets.

As part of the main investigation procedure, the Federal Cartel Office is examining whether the merger creates or strengthens a dominant market position. The authority may clear the project, subject it to remedies and conditions, or prohibit it.

Outlook

The official announcement serves to inform the public about the initiation of the main investigation procedure. For the companies involved, the examination represents a phase of uncertainty regarding the completion of the acquisition. For consumers in the affected regions, the decision of the Federal Cartel Office is significant, as it can help determine the future supply and price structure in the food retail sector.

Source: Federal Gazette, issue of September 3, 2026, Announcements (official reference: BAnz AT 03.09.2026 B3).