Green light: Spar is allowed to take over Unimarkt branches

The Federal Competition Authority (BWB) has it Takeover of 23 former Unimarkt branches by Spar approved.

Conditions were imposed on 17 and not on six, the BWB informed on Thursday. Spar therefore undertakes, among other things, that: 17 specifically named locations long-term – ten or 20 years – be operated by independent savings merchants.

A decision on the takeover of further branches by Rewe is expected soon.

The 17 locations that are to be run as merchant branches in accordance with the requirements can largely decide independently on prices and product selection, which strengthens competition, according to the BWB. At seven of the 17 circulation locations, Spar has also committed not to acquire any additional food retail locations within a five-minute drive radius in the next 20 years, provided they are below the legal registration thresholds. This affects the locations Adnet, Gallneukirchen, Graz/Waltendorf, Hellmonsödt, Kuchl, Sebersdorf and Steyr/Christkindl.

Market conversion by the end of March

Eleven of the former university stores that will operate under the Spar umbrella are in Styria, five in Upper Austria, four in Lower Austria, two in Salzburg and one in Burgenland. The conversion of the markets should be completed by the end of March. A total of 18 branches will be run by independent merchants, Spar announced.

The transaction is expected to close in the coming days, meaning the takeover will be completed by mid-February. It was agreed not to disclose the purchase price. “The positive decision now available is the result of an intensive review process and constructive and responsible discussions,” said Spar board member Marcus Wild, praising the BWB. With the takeover, “we are securing local supplies in many communities in Austria,” says Spar CEO Hans K. Reisch.

Long duration of the requirements is intended to ensure competition

“The concentration in the food retail sector is very high, but at the same time it is about local supplies in the affected communities and the continued existence of regional suppliers,” emphasized BWB General Director Natalie Harsdorf in a press release. The long duration of the requirements has a positive effect on competition “as, among other things, it secures the situation of independent merchants.”

The BWB looked at the effects on consumers on the one hand and on regional suppliers on the other and analyzed the catchment areas. This included, among other things, the accessibility of alternatives and the behavior of customers, including commuters. A separate assessment was made for each of the 23 locations. The Federal Cartel Attorney was involved in the negotiation of the conditions and also approved the application, according to the BWB.

Martin Zagler, President of the Austrian Franchise Association, emphasizes that the green light from BWB “allows the former franchisees of the Unimarkt Group to remain an important part of the regional infrastructure. This means that customers can continue to buy from independent entrepreneurs, but under a new brand, from established and integrated members of their community.”

Examination of further takeovers by Rewe

The grocery retailer Unimarkt, based in Traun, announced in September 2025 that it would be withdrawing from the market. Some branches have already been closed. The Rewe Group would like to take over 21 of the 90 Unimarkt branches, 13 of them in Upper Austria, six in Styria and two in Lower Austria. The BWB’s decision on this is expected to be announced on Friday.