Takeover goes through at last in France and Portugal

Leroy Merlin has finally acquired Obi France and Aki Portugal. The competition authorities in France and Portugal have now approved the takeover after the EU Commission in Brussels referred the matter to the local authorities. No decision has yet been reached in Spain, although Leroy Merlin is expecting to hear “before the summer”. 37 Obi stores in France and 13 stores in Portugal will be added to the Leroy Merlin branch network, although the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Finance in Paris is demanding that the company relinquish three French Obi DIY stores.