Communication

The aim of the protection of market competition is primarily to create benefits for consumers and equal conditions for all entrepreneurs on the market, who, acting in accordance with the existing rules and competing on the market with the quality, price and innovation of their products and services, contribute to the overall development of the economy.

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Concentration between Adris Grupa and Expertus cleared

The Croatian Competition Agency approved the acquisition of the direct control over the undertaking Expertus or 77.78 % of the share capital in the undertaking concerned by the undertaking Adris Grupa. By the implementation of this concentration Adris Grupa acquires also indirect control over the undertakings HUP-ZAGREB, Hoteli Dubrovačka rivijera and Astoria. By taking over the so far leader, Adris Grupa will strengthen its position in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County and enter the City of Zagreb. In the whole territory of the Republic of Croatia by the implementation of this concentration Adris Grupa takes the second position, following the leader in this relevant market – Valamar Riviera.

The concentration will in the first place produce effects in the hospitality sector including accommodation and catering in hotels in the territory of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County. Namely, Adris Grupa is active in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County though its connected undertaking Grand Hotel Imperial whereas the undertaking Expertus is active in the same geographic market through its connected undertaking Hoteli Dubrovačka Rivijera.

In accordance with the 2016 data, by the implementation of this concentration Adris Grupa will take the third place in the relevant market covering the accommodation and catering in hotels in the Dubrovnik-Neretva County.

Besides the market on which this concentration will primary produce effects, it is solely Adris Grupa, through its connected undertaking Maistra, that has been present in the accommodation and catering in hotels, apartments and camping sites business in the territory of Istria County, where Plava Laguna (including Istraturs) holds the lead.

On the other hand, through its connected undertaking HUP-ZAGREB, Expertus is the sole undertaking that is present in the accommodation and catering in hotels business in the Zagreb County. In this market Expertus through its connected undertaking HUP-ZAGREB has been holding the lead in terms of available beds and overnight stays.

In terms of total turnover data for 2016 in the observed hospitality business market in all accommodation establishments in the Republic of Croatia there have been present three leading rivals: Valamar Riviera that occupied the first place on the list in 2016, followed by jointly Plava Laguna and Istraturist, and Adris Grupa in the third place.

The implementation of this particular concentration proves that the relevant hospitality market at the national level is being further consolidated. The implemented acquisitions of the tree leading rivals further strengthen their portfolios outside their original place of establishment to the counties where they use their best strategies to take up even better positions at the national level.

It may be concluded in terms of this example that the permanent competitive constraint will be present and continue to strengthen competition between the three leading competitors in the relevant market concerned.