#empire-company

Canada's Competition Bureau is taking legal action against Loblaw and Sobeys' parent company, Empire, to terminate their use of restrictive property controls. The Bureau alleges these clauses in lease agreements unlawfully prevent rival grocers from opening in the same commercial properties, thereby stifling competition, limiting consumer choice, and contributing to higher food prices. This landmark case, filed with the Competition Tribunal, seeks to eliminate these barriers to entry for new and independent grocers. If successful, the move could significantly alter Canada's retail landscape and potentially offer relief to consumers facing high food inflation.

Canada's Competition Bureau has filed a legal application with the Competition Tribunal to halt the use of 'anti-competitive' property controls by Loblaw Companies Limited and Empire Company Limited, the parent of Sobeys. The Bureau alleges the grocery giants use restrictive covenants in their lease agreements to prevent rival supermarkets from opening in proximity to their existing stores, thereby stifling competition and limiting consumer choice. This action seeks to strike down these clauses and promote a more competitive grocery market amid ongoing concerns about high food prices for Canadians.

Canada’s Competition Bureau has initiated legal proceedings against Loblaw and Sobeys, alleging the grocery giants use restrictive property controls to stifle competition. The Bureau claims these "restrictive covenants" in lease agreements illegally prevent rival grocers from opening in prime locations, sometimes for decades. This action, filed with the Competition Tribunal, seeks to end the practice and invalidate existing clauses. It represents a major regulatory challenge amid heightened public scrutiny over food inflation and market concentration, potentially reshaping the landscape for grocery retail and consumer choice across the country.

Canada's Competition Bureau has initiated legal proceedings against Loblaw Companies Ltd. and Empire Company Ltd., the parent of Sobeys, over their use of restrictive property controls. The Bureau alleges these 'restrictive covenants' in lease agreements are anti-competitive, preventing rival grocers from opening stores in key locations and ultimately harming consumers through higher prices and reduced choice. This action, filed with the Competition Tribunal, represents a significant federal effort to dismantle barriers to entry in Canada's highly concentrated grocery market and address persistent concerns about food affordability for Canadians.

Canada's Competition Bureau is taking legal action against Loblaw and Sobeys' parent company, Empire, seeking to end their use of "property controls" in commercial leases. The Bureau alleges these restrictive covenants are used to block rival grocers from opening stores in the same plazas or nearby, stifling competition and harming consumers. This action, filed with the Competition Tribunal, claims the practice leads to fewer choices, lower quality service, and higher food prices for Canadians. It represents a major step in the government's ongoing efforts to address the lack of competition in the country's concentrated grocery market.