Competition authorities approve the purchase of El Árbol with conditions

Distribuidora Internacional de Alimentación has obtained authorisation from the National Competition Commission in Spain to carry out the acquisition of the El Árbol chain announced on 2 July.

Today DIA received an official notification confirming that the transaction was approved by the National Markets and Competition Commission on 16 October 2014, subject to undertaking a commitment to divest 7 of the 451 stores owned by El Árbol. The transaction, which will be made effective in the coming weeks, will involve adding a total of 444 proximity supermarkets to the DIA network in Spain, which will complement its range of outlets. The Company reiterates its intention to maintain the El Árbol banner.