Mercadia Holland, a company controlled by Romanian businessman Dinu Patriciu, has taken over discount retailer MiniMAX DISCOUNT, in a deal whose value was not revealed. The 31-unit network used to be controlled by Austrian Real4You and two individuals, Rainer Exel and Andreas Kampf. “Mercadia is already active on the Romanian retail market through Mic.ro stores. The miniMAX acquisition is part of the group's development strategy on this market and targets the creation of synergies between the two companies on the logistics and acquisitions, which will allow to optimize offers for clients of both networks- discounter and proximity retail,” said Dan Ionescu, CEO of Mercadia Holland. MiniMAX stores, which cover around 750 sqm each, benefit from a 15,000 sqm logistics space near Bucharest. Previous development plans included a 100-store network in Romania, from the current 31-store. Rainer Exel, who is the head of the miniMAX chain, will keep his position after the takeover. He started working in local retail in 2000, when he was country manager for Rewe, while developing the XXL Mega Discount chain. Andreas Kampf was also a manager with miniMAX, having previously worked with Rewe Mercadia owns the majority share packages in Mic.ro Retail, Bet Cafe Arena and iLearn. The Mic.ro proximity centers network has 76 units and plans to reach 300 by year-end. Bet Cafe Arena runs businesses in the gaming industry, with 70 units across the country. Ilearn offers consultancy services in human resources. Real4You is a real estate developer with activities in several Central and Eastern European countries. In Romania, apart from owning miniMAX, the company is working on a shopping mall which will be built on the premises of the former Electroaparataj factory in Bucharest. Demolition works for the Mega Mall project in Bucharest started in January this year. It also plans a series of shopping center under the Mega Mall brand in Satu Mare, Targu Mures, Focsani. In Giurgiu, Braila, Ramnicu Valcea and Botosani, the developer plans Family Centers. The Giurgiu project includes 4,330 sqm for the family center and a Kaufland unit on 5,500 sqm. The Ramnicu – Valcea and Botosani projects will also include Kaufland units. The one in Braila, on 21,000 sqm, will include a 10,000 sqm Obi store. The Botosani and Giurgiu projects are under construction, according to Real4You. The Satu Mare Mega Mall will have 22,000 sqm in leasable area and 700 parking places. The Mega Mall projects will be built in partnership with Oasis, which has previously developed projects for Kaufland and Plus Discount. Corina Saceanu