Norway's Competition Authority is considering a prohibition on Elkjøp's planned acquisition of Eplehuset, citing concerns that the deal would significantly weaken competition in the retail sale of Apple products to private consumers.
The regulator stated in a press release on Monday that it is worried reduced competition could lead to higher prices, a narrower selection of products, and lower service quality for end-users.
The authority is specifically focused on the market for Mac and iPad devices, where the combined entity would hold a dominant position.
This development marks a significant escalation in the regulatory review of the transaction.
The Competition Authority's intervention suggests that the deal faces substantial hurdles, potentially requiring Elkjøp to offer remedies or abandon the acquisition altogether to secure approval.
Elkjøp, a major player in the Norwegian electronics retail sector, has been seeking to expand its footprint through the purchase of Eplehuset, a specialist retailer known for its strong focus on Apple products.