The Dutch competition watchdog Autoriteit Consument en Markt (ACM) has stated that ToyChamp‘s acquisition of toy chain InterToys will not have a negative effect on competition in the Dutch market.
No permit needed
ACM said on its website that it “has no reason to believe that the proposed concentration will significantly impede effective competition on the Dutch market or part of it.” Therefore, a specific permit is not needed.
ToyChamp and InterToys owner Mirage Retail Group, had announced the proposed transaction on 28 October. Mirage had been looking for a new owner for the toy chain for some time. ToyChamp CEO Koen Nolmans believes both formulas are complementary and said they will continue to co-exist on the Dutch market after the takeover. Intertoys’ management, with CEO Eddy Assies and CFO Jan Nap, will remain on board. ToyChamp has 26 branches in the Netherlands, InterToys eight times more.
