The Austrian Federal Competition Authority has announced that it has asked the antitrust court to look into the proposed merger. The Authority cited concerns regarding market delineation as the reason, referring to Fressnapf's strong position in the Austrian pet supplies market.
In addition, the Federal Competition Authority fears that Fressnapf will also gain a position dominating the market in relation to customers and suppliers, which should be examined more closely in the proceedings in the antitrust court. "Carrying out the Illustrative Price Rise (IPR) test has revealed that by the merger with the Tomy's Zoo stores to be acquired, price rises of up to 12.60 per cent on average may occur in the pet accessories segment. In a possible sub-segment of "special pet accessories", price increases of up to roughly 40 per cent cannot be excluded," stated the Authority.