EU opens in-depth review of XXXLutz-Porta deal

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation (Phase II) into XXXLutz’s planned takeover of Porta on 12 October 2026. XXXLutz notified the deal in September, and the Commission aims to reach a decision by 25 February 2027. Opening Phase II does not prejudge whether the deal will be approved or blocked.

In its preliminary assessment, the Commission believes the merger could significantly impede competition in furniture retail in Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In Germany the focus is on the discount segment, where many stores of the two companies compete in the same regions. The Commission fears higher prices and less choice. It is also examining whether furniture manufacturers and suppliers in Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Poland would become more dependent on XXXLutz. Porta operates under the brands Porta, SB Möbel Boss, Möbel Letz and Asko, with around 140 stores in total.

Alois Kobler, who heads XXXLutz in Germany, had told T-Online in advance that he expected approval and completion by the end of the first quarter of 2027. He did not rule out conditions that would stop XXXLutz from taking over individual Porta locations. The Porta brand is to be retained, and he expects no major job cuts among the roughly 6,000 employees.

Separately, the Commission has been running another investigation since 10 July 2026. It is examining whether the companies partly implemented the takeover before it was cleared. No breach has been established.

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