Permission granted for 'Rimi' to purchase a shopping center in Vilnius
The Competition Council has approved Rimi's acquisition of a shopping center in Vilnius, stating that it will not create or strengthen a dominant market position.
The Competition Council of Lithuania has announced that Rimi's planned acquisition of a shopping center in Vilnius will not lead to a dominant position in the market or significant restrictions on competition. This decision comes after an evaluation of the circumstances surrounding the proposed concentration, which is expected to be officially executed in January 2026. Rimi, a major player in the retail sector, operates a chain of stores selling food, household, and consumer goods, and is owned by Hakonlita.
The shopping center targeted in the acquisition comprises commercial properties located at addresses Ateities g. 91 and 89 in Vilnius, where the well-known Mandarinas shopping center is situated. This transaction requires notification to the Competition Council, as the combined revenue of the companies involved exceeds the threshold of 20 million euros, necessitating official approval to ensure fair competition within the market.
The implication of this acquisition is significant for both Rimi and the Lithuanian retail landscape, as it reflects ongoing consolidation trends in the retail sector. By expanding their footprint in Vilnius, Rimi may enhance their competitive positioning against other retailers while potentially benefiting from operational synergies that could arise from integrating the shopping center into their existing operations.