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.
CCA approves joint control of ADVANCE FASHION GROUP d.o.o. and Sašo Apostolovski over PONDS d.o.o. and MASS SHOES d.o.o.
The Croatian Competition Agency (CCA) has issued a first-phase clearance for the proposed concentration between ADVANCE FASHION GROUP d.o.o. and Sašo Apostolovski, involving the acquisition of joint control over PONDS d.o.o., a company established in the Republic of Slovenia.
The transaction will be implemented through the entry of ADVANCE FASHION GROUP d.o.o. into the ownership structure of PONDS d.o.o., thereby enabling ADVANCE FASHION GROUP and Sašo Apostolovski to exercise joint control over PONDS d.o.o., as well as indirect control over its affiliated company MASS SHOES d.o.o., headquartered in the Republic of Croatia.
ADVANCE FASHION GROUP d.o.o. is controlled by ACP Investment Fund, based in the Republic of Slovenia, which operates in Croatia through several affiliated companies engaged in various sectors, including consumer electronics and household appliances retail, nautical tourism, travel agency services, and motor vehicle rental.
Sašo Apostolovski has sole control over the SA Group, which is not active in the retail market for footwear and fashion accessories. Conversely, PONDS d.o.o., through the PONDS Group and its subsidiary MASS SHOES d.o.o., is active in the Croatian retail market for footwear and fashion accessories.
MASS SHOES d.o.o. operates 42 retail outlets across Croatia, primarily located in shopping centres in major cities and regional hubs. Based on 2024 data, MASS SHOES holds a market share of between 10% and 20%, ranking among the leading undertakings in the relevant market for footwear and fashion accessories retail.
The Croatian relevant retail market for footwear and fashion accessories is characterized by a stable market structure, with no significant new entries in recent years. All major market participants in this relevant market have been present for over three years. As the notifying parties are not active in the same or related markets, the transaction will not alter existing market shares.
Following its assessment, the CCA concluded that the notified concentration will not result in the creation or strengthening of a dominant position and will not significantly impede effective competition in the relevant market.
The full text of the decision, excluding confidential business information, is available at the following link