Austrian furniture chain XXXLutz has announced its acquisition of the German operator Porta, including approximately 140 branches across Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. This strategic move also includes the Asko brand, which Porta operates in the Czech Republic with 14 stores. The transaction, whose value remains undisclosed, is pending approval from the German antitrust regulator. With this acquisition, XXXLutz strengthens its presence in Central Europe, adding to its existing portfolio of 12 stores under its own name, 15 Möbelix outlets, and one Kika store in the Czech Republic. A spokesperson for XXXLutz, Thomas Saliger, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with Porta’s team of 6,000 employees, whose contracts will remain unchanged, with no redundancies anticipated. Saliger acknowledged the competitive pressures from online retailers but affirmed the importance of brick-and-mortar furniture stores. “Customers often gather information online, but for larger purchases, they value in-person advice from professionals and the ability to physically experience the furniture,” he noted. The XXXLutz Group, which also owns Mömax and Poco, is among the world’s largest furniture retailers, operating more than 370 stores across 14 countries with a workforce of 27,100. The group reports an annual turnover exceeding six billion euros (more than 150 billion CZK). Its expansion strategy includes ventures into online retail, highlighted by its 2023 acquisition of Home24. Source: CTK