Takeover of MediaMarkt: Austria takes a stand

Ceconomy and JD would try to obtain the conditions for approval of the takeover in discussions with the Austrian Ministry of Economic Affairs. “So far, the authorities have blocked themselves from finding a common solution,” it says in the broadcast. Ceconomy operates 56 MediaMarkt branches in Austria. In the past financial year (end of September 2025), around 1.3 billion euros were generated with 2,400 employees, a meager increase of 0.6 percent.

Obligation to obtain approval for critical infrastructure

Die Investment control According to the homepage, the (partial or complete) acquisition of Austrian companies by natural or legal persons from third countries (countries outside EU, EEASwitzerland) under certain conditions is subject to a permit requirement. Only acquisitions of companies in areas are checked the critical infrastructurewith these areas clearly defined in the law.

It is checked whether the planned transaction results in one Endangering security or public order (including crisis and public services). Furthermore, it is checked whether the investor is under the control of a foreign government or has been involved in illegal or criminal activities in the past.

Ministry of Economics “irritated” by Ceconomy broadcast

In response to KURIER’s request, the Ministry of Economic Affairs confirmed the existence of an application, which was, however, withdrawn with effect from April 10th. “Against this background, our authority is currently unable to understand the specific intentions of the companies involved,” it says. We are also “irritated” by the company’s statements that the authority is blocking itself from finding a joint solution.

During ongoing inspections, our authority is extremely cooperative and is in ongoing discussions. Due to strict legal requirements and high confidentiality requirements, no information can be provided on the details of the investment control process.

JD.com announced Monday afternoon that it would file a new application next week.

Data protection like aerospace industry

MediaMarkt Austria boss Jan Niclas Brandt cannot understand the concerns about the deal. “With the commitments offered by JD.com and Ceconomy, MediaMarkt would in future have a data protection policy that is similar to a company in the aerospace industry. In doing so, we go far beyond what normally applies to a retail company.”

A spokesman for JD.com referred to the company’s commitments Locations, workplaces, data protection and independence of management. “In addition, JD.com has offered the Austrian authority responsible for investment control extensive measures that go beyond these commitments,” it said in a statement. “JD.com strongly believes in this partnership for European retail and will continue to work towards closing the transaction.”

Italy and France have already agreed, Germany is still pending

In Italy and France the approvals would already be available. In Germany, Ceconomy expects a “prompt grant”. The Antitrust authorities Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Turkey have also already agreed to the takeover.

As reported wants Ceconomy with the new Chinese owner JD.com to significantly expand its online business in Europe and accelerate its growth path. The German electronics retailer wants to benefit above all from the logistics and delivery know-how of the Chinese, who can deliver any goods in China within 24 hours.