Disclaimer :

The Competition DG makes the information provided by the notifying parties in section 1.2 of Form CO available to the public in order to increase transparency. This information has been prepared by the notifying parties under their sole responsibility, and its content in no way prejudges the view the Commission may take of the planned operation. Nor can the Commission be held responsible for any incorrect or misleading information contained therein.

M.9454 — EP Global Commerce/METRO

SECTION 1.2

Description of the concentration

[1] On 21 June 2019, a company indirectly wholly-owned by EP Global Commerce a.s., Prague, Czech Republic, published the intention to launch a voluntary public takeover offer for all outstanding shares in METRO AG, Düsseldorf, Germany, within the meaning of Art. 3(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004.

[2] EP Global Commerce a.s. (“EPGC”), which indirectly already holds a stake of 10.91% in METRO AG, is an acquisition vehicle with the main purpose of (indirectly) holding the shares in METRO AG. EPGC is controlled by Mr Daniel Křetínský who holds interests in a number of companies that are predominantly active in the utility and energy sector, publishing and radio broadcasting, and – to a limited extent – in e-commerce.

[3] METRO AG is predominantly active in the area of retail of daily consumer products under the brand Real and in the wholesale of daily consumer products with outlet stores under the brands METRO and MAKRO Cash & Carry.