The Bundeskartellamt has examined Intersport’s online platform sales model and has no objections under competition law. Based on the available information, the Bundeskartellamt sees no need for an in-depth examination.
Andreas Mundt, President of the Bundeskartellamt said, “It is especially difficult for smaller retailers to compete alone against major online retailers like Amazon and the manufacturers’ online shops. The individual Intersport retailers in Germany face strong competitors, both in the brick-and-mortar business and online. The shared online platform under the Intersport umbrella brand is an attractive sales alternative for the retailers, which are mostly active in the brick-and-mortar business. It strengthens competition in the sports retail business and provides more choice for consumers online.”
Intersport is the world’s largest association of medium-sized companies in the sports retail sector. More than 900 members run approximately 1,500 sports retail outlets in Germany. Within the Intersport organisation Intersport Digital GmbH (IDG) operates the online sales platform for associated retailers in Germany.
Full Content: Bundeskartellamt
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