Norway's Competition Authority is considering a prohibition on Elkjøp's planned acquisition of Eplehuset, citing fears that the merger would weaken competition in the sale of Apple products to private consumers.
The regulator outlined its concerns in a press release on Monday, stating that the consolidation could lead to diminished competitive pressure in the retail segment for Mac computers and iPads.
This marks a significant escalation in the regulatory review process, moving beyond initial scrutiny to a potential outright ban.
The development introduces substantial uncertainty for both retailers.
A blocked acquisition would halt Elkjøp's strategy to expand its footprint in the specialized Apple retail space, while Eplehuset would remain independent.
Investors in the broader Norwegian retail sector will be monitoring the situation closely, as regulatory intervention in M&A deals can signal a tougher stance on market concentration.