Norway clears Elkjøp's acquisition of Apple product seller Eplehuset

Norway's Competition Authority has given the green light for electronics retailer Elkjøp to acquire Eplehuset, a company specializing in Apple products. The decision, announced Thursday, follows an initial concern that the merger might significantly reduce competition, particularly for Mac and iPad sales to private customers.

However, the authority's stance shifted after receiving new information and conducting further analyses. "We have now concluded that the acquisition will not significantly hinder effective competition, and therefore it can be carried out," stated Mads Magnussen, competition director, in a press release. This marks a reversal from late June when the companies were warned that the deal might be blocked.

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We have now concluded that the acquisition will not significantly hinder effective competition, and that it therefore can be carried out.

Elkjøp announced its intention to buy Eplehuset in February. Eplehuset will continue to exist as a separate subsidiary within the Elkjøp group, preserving its brand and concept. The sale was met with satisfaction by Eplehuset's owners, Bjørn Tore Brevik and Marit Buseth Hovde, who expressed that the time was right for new ownership and that finding a good home for the company and its employees was crucial.

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The time is right for others to take over, but it has been very important for us in the ownership community to find a good home for the company and our employees.