Competition Council approves opening of top! store in former Sky premises in Riga

Latvia's Competition Council (KP) has approved a business merger that will see a store operating under the top! brand open in the premises formerly occupied by a Sky store at Kārļa Ulmaņa gatve 122 in Riga.

According to the merger notification, the applicant company operates in non-specialized retail trade, primarily selling everyday consumer goods. The company operates several brands, including top!, mini top! and LABAIS.

Until March 2026, the property in question was used by SIA "SKAI BALTIJA" to sell everyday consumer goods under the Sky brand. The applicant has stated it plans to open a new store under the top! brand at the same location.

Council's assessment

Based on the submitted information and its own analysis, the Competition Council concluded that the merger would affect both the procurement market and the retail market for everyday consumer goods in Latvia. After examining various possible market definitions — including distinguishing between different store formats and applying different geographic boundaries — the council found that its conclusions about the merger's impact remained consistent regardless of the scope applied. As a result, a precise definition of the affected market's product and geographic scope could be left open.

Having reviewed the available information, the Competition Council determined that the merger would not significantly alter market structure, reduce competition, or create or strengthen a dominant position in any of the markets where the merging parties operate. Consequently, the council decided to approve the merger.