CITYnews halifax : Competition bureau steps up investigation of Stellarton-based grocery giant

CITYnews halifax / By The Canadian Press Staff

The federal Competition Bureau is continuing its investigation into the use of property controls by Nova Scotia-based Empire Company Limited.

Empire, based in Stellarton, is the parent of several grocery chains, including Sobeys, Farm Boy, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and FreshCo, among others.

Property controls are restrictions on the use of real estate that limit how a property can be used after it is sold, which can harm competition by making it difficult for businesses to open new stores.

The bureau’s investigation into Sobeys and Loblaws locations in Halifax started in 2024.

The competition watchdog said on Monday it had received a new Federal Court order to obtain company records, written information and oral testimony related to the probe.

The bureau said the investigation is ongoing and there is no conclusion of wrongdoing.

Empire did not immediately respond to a request for comment.