The Latvian Competition Council (KP) has approved SIA 'Circle K' to acquire decisive influence over the assets of 'ASTARTE NAFTA' by acquiring a fuel station in Riga. KP found no significant harm to competition, allowing the transaction to proceed.

SIA 'Circle K' is engaged in retailing fuel, LPG, oil products, fast food, hot drinks, and essential goods at fuel stations, as well as wholesale of fuel and similar products. 'ASTARTE NAFTA' is also a Latvian company involved in retailing fuel, LPG, auto accessories, hot drinks, and essential goods at fuel stations.

The Competition Council notes that the activities of the merging parties overlap in the retailing of fuel, LPG, fast food, hot drinks, and essential goods at fuel stations in Latvia.

After evaluating the information provided by the companies and available to KP, it was concluded that the merger will not significantly alter the market structure, reduce competition, or establish or strengthen a dominant position in the affected markets in Latvia, hence the merger is permissible.

To prevent a substantial decrease in competition due to mergers, transactions meeting the criteria set out in the Competition Law require approval from the Competition Council. This ensures state control over market concentration to avoid structural changes that could limit consumer choices or lead to purchasing goods and services at non-competitive prices.