French retailer Auchan has received approval from the European Commission for the acquisition of Hungarian retailer Magyar Hipermarket. The takeover of the seven Cora hypermarkets was permitted as the commission said Auchan faces several strong competitors in the country. Auchan operates 12 hypermarkets in Hungary at present but expansion had been limited by a government ban on large-store construction. The latest acquisition gives the group a way around the measure.

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