Retail and Consumer Products - Competition/Antitrust

Retailers who want to consolidate or expand their operations are usually mindful of competition and antitrust issues, but those concerns will be even more front and centre in a post-pandemic economy. As businesses sell off assets to other companies, Canada’s Competition Bureau will be watching closely to ensure markets aren’t becoming monopolized and that consumers are protected.

Whether your business is looking to grow or sell off assets, understanding applicable competition and antitrust laws, and developing arrangements and agreements that keep you compliant, will be critical to your company’s future. It’s important to work with an experienced team of legal advisors who can help you navigate this often complicated business environment.

Osler’s Retail Group has worked with many leading Canadian companies on a variety of competition and antitrust issues. We’ve advised companies on cross-border transactions and on competition matters related to pricing, store location, customer makeup, data protection and more.

Given how quickly the retail sector is changing, you don’t want your business plans to be impacted by competition or antitrust issues. Make sure to have a clear path forward before you enter into any new arrangements.

Recent experience

Longo's

Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc. in the sale of 51% of Longo’s to Empire Company, with an option to put the remaining interest in Longo’s to Empire in tranches beginning after the fifth anniversary of the closing. The purchase price for the initial 51% interest is based on a total enterprise value of $700 million.

Learn more about our work with Longo's
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Office Depot

Office Depot, Inc. in the acquisition of THL Portfolio Holdings Corp., parent of CompuCom Systems, Inc. for a total value of approx. $1 billion. This transaction was viewed as transformative for Office Depot as it evolved from an office supplies retailer to a diversified supplier of office products and technology services.

Learn more about our work with Office Depot
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The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

The Estée Lauder Companies Inc. (ELC) in its agreement to increase its investment in the Canadian-based, vertically integrated, multi-brand company, DECIEM Beauty Group Inc. from approximately 29% to approximately 76%. ELC has agreed to purchase the remaining interests after a three-year period.

Learn more about our work with The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.
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