ACM provisionally clears acquisition of iCentre by rival IT retail chain BAS

The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has provisionally cleared the acquisition of Apple premium reseller chain iCentre by rival IT retail chain BAS Group, which owns national retail brands such as Dixons and MyCom. With this emergency decision, the continuity of the iCentre locations can be guaranteed. Once the acquisition has been completed, the iCentre locations will become part of the BAS Group. With 34 locations across the Netherlands, iCentre is the largest reseller of Apple products in the country.

Normally speaking, undertakings are only allowed to proceed with an acquisition after ACM has carried out an extensive investigation, and has then given its approval. However, if parties face an imminent threat of bankruptcy or moratorium, ACM can make an exception. This does not take away the fact that ACM will still issue a formal decision on the admissibility of the acquisition. The emergency decision does not prejudge that formal decision in any way.