Russia's anti-monopoly service approved the X5 takeover of the Karusel chain on condition that the company revealed details of its relationships with suppliers in the city. X5 initially complied with the requirement, then decided it breached antitrust legislation and has now asked Moscow's Arbitration Court to overturn conditions imposed by the Federal Anti-monopoly Service.

"The requirements... limit the company's ability to choose counterparties and may unwittingly put the company in an unequal position versus other companies working in the St. Petersburg food retail market," said X5, Russia's largest retailer, in a statement.

X5, controlled by Russian billionaire Mikhail Fridman's Alfa Group, has a market share of 35% in St. Petersburg, including the local Karusel chain, which X5 acquired for €600 million in May.

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X5 to take over Karusel chain

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