Casino, the French retail group, has taken exclusive control of Paris supermarket chain, Monoprix, following approval from the French Competition Authority.

In July last year Casino and Galeries Lafayette ended a dispute over jointly owned Monoprix after Lafayette agreed to give up its 50 per cent stake to Casino for €1.175bn.

Concerns surrounding the deal were raised earlier in the year over Casino's already dominant position in the French capital. The competition authority's clearance has allowed Casino to acquire the remaining 50 per cent of Monoprix, on condition it sells 58 stores.

The stake is held by a subsidiary of Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank SA through a temporary holding arrangement.

A host of firms advised Casino on the deal including Gide Loyrette Nouel, led by M&A partners Antoine Lelong and Axelle Toulemonde. A team from Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier comprised of partners Jean-Michel Darrois, Emmanuel Brochier and Olivier Huyghues Despointes. Jones Day banking and finance partner, Alban Caillemer du Ferrage, also acted on the transaction.

Galeries Lafayette was instructed by Ginesti