Lidl has received regulatory approval to acquire 19 Auchan supermarkets across France, including locations in Paris, Bordeaux, Lyon, Grenoble, and several along the Côte d'Azur. The German discount retailer's expansion move, authorized without conditions by France's Competition Authority on Monday, represents a significant strategic play in the highly competitive French retail market. The transaction also includes eight attached service stations, further extending Lidl's reach in key urban and coastal markets.

The acquisitions particularly strengthen Lidl's presence in southeastern France, with stores in Toulon and Saint-Raphaël in the Var department, plus locations in Antibes and Cannes in the Alpes-Maritimes. These coastal regions represent high-potential commercial territories where consumer purchasing power remains a sensitive issue. The move comes as Lidl seeks to challenge established players in areas known for intense retail competition.

Lidl France President John Paul Scally recently outlined ambitious growth targets, aiming to capture 10% market share by 2030. The company is pursuing this objective through both network expansion and aggressive pricing strategies. Since January, Lidl has invested €150 million in price reductions across its product range, while planning 20 net new store openings this year that will bring its total French network to 1,627 locations.

The Competition Authority emphasized that its approval followed careful assessment of local market impacts, ensuring the acquisitions wouldn't reduce price competition or consumer choice. Despite recent financial challenges—Lidl France reportedly lost €72 million in 2023-2024 and €9 million in 2024-2025 on nearly €16 billion in revenue—the company anticipates returning to break-even by February 2026. The converted stores will undergo renovations before reopening under the Lidl banner, though specific reopening dates haven't been announced.