The Tyrolean food retailer MPreis, based in Völs, which employs 5,600 people at around 280 locations, has been in a restructuring process for months. We are looking for a potential investor or strategic partner. Like the generally well-informed Germans Food newspaper reports, the Cologne resident probes Rewe Group currently supposedly has a possible stake of 25 percent in the Tyrolean company Mölk family. However, Rewe Austria (Billa, Billa Plus, Penny, Bipa) does not want to confirm any discussions.
“Please understand that we generally do not comment on other companies,” a Rewe spokeswoman tells KURIER. The fact is: It has been known since spring 2026 that the Tyrolean family company is looking for a partner; any names or details have not been disclosed. Confidentiality agreements have been signed.
“Conversations are taking place, we will see how these will turn out. Nobody is allowed to say anything,” says MPreis spokeswoman Jennifer Plattner to the COURIER. “We are repositioning ourselves. We would like to communicate something, but there is nothing concrete yet.” Postscript: “It’s also not true that the Mölk family is divided. They are more united than ever before when it comes to the continuation of the company.”
Business fantasy
Sea Food newspaper Rewe would significantly improve its market position in Tyrol if it joined MPreis, as it is currently number three there. In return, MPreis would benefit from better purchasing conditions. Meanwhile, for them MPreis Warenvertriebs GmbH No annual financial statements for the 2025 financial year have yet been submitted to the commercial register court.
In 2024, sales increased slightly to 906.5 million euros and the operating loss was reduced from 17 million euros (2023) to 7.28 million euros. With the profit carried forward from previous years, this results in retained earnings of 20.8 million euros. But the chain is also sitting on a mountain of debt of 286.6 million euros, of which 178.6 million euros are attributable to banks. In addition to the supermarkets, MPreis includes the Therese Mölk bakery, the Alpine butcher shop, the Baguette bistro shops, the T&G discount store, the miniM local supplier and gas station shops.
Rifle at foot
“Neither a merger was registered with the BWB, nor was an upstream pre-notification procedure initiated. Rewe’s announced participation in MPreis affects an already highly concentrated market,” says Sarah Fürlinger, spokeswoman for the Federal Competition Authority (BWB), to KURIER. “When registering, the BWB will therefore examine the project in detail and in particular examine possible effects on competition, suppliers, selection and prices for consumers.”