France’s competition authority has approved the sale of 167 Auchan supermarkets and hypermarkets to Intermarché and Netto, allowing one of the biggest supermarket transactions in the country to move forward. The agreement follows months of discussions after Auchan decided to reduce the number of stores it operates in France. Intermarché, one of the country’s largest supermarket groups, will take over many of the locations, while some stores will operate under the Netto discount banner. The French supermarket sector remains highly competitive, with retailers investing in lower prices, private label products and better customer service. Industry analysts believe the transaction will reshape the French grocery market and could encourage further consolidation as supermarket groups look for new ways to improve efficiency and remain competitive.