Furniture retail XXXLutz takes over German Porta Group with 140 locations
The furniture retailer XXXLutz, which is also active in Switzerland, continues to expand in Germany, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. To this end, the Austrian company has taken over the German Porta Group.
07.01.2025, 19:01
SDA
The Porta Group has over 140 locations in these three countries under the brands porta, Möbel Boss, Asko and Möbel Letz, XXXLutz announced on Tuesday. The sale was subject to approval by the antitrust authorities. The parties have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.
The employment contracts of around 6000 Porta employees are to remain unchanged. However, the purchase is viewed critically by the German furniture industry: "If this purchase were to go ahead, the already high concentration in the German furniture trade would be further exacerbated and reach a threatening level," according to a reaction from the German furniture industry associations. "Our medium-sized manufacturers have been facing growing market power from retailers for years and are being forced to make ever greater concessions."
Strong partnerships in demand
The founding families of the Porta Group, Gärtner and Fahrenkamp, are leaving the company with the sale. "This step is not easy for the founding families, but is being taken in the conviction that it will secure the best development opportunities for the group of companies," said Paul de Jong, Managing Director of porta-Holding. "The competitive environment, especially in online furniture retail, requires not only high investments but also strong partnerships. With its strong omnichannel presence, XXXLutz is predestined to play a significant role in the market in the future," added de Jong.
"We firmly believe in brick-and-mortar retail in combination with a strong online store," said XXXLutz spokesperson Thomas Saliger, explaining the purchase decision. "Customers like to get information online, but ultimately want to be advised by expert staff in the furniture store and test and feel furniture and furnishings, especially when making larger purchases."
With around 27,100 employees, XXXLutz operates more than 370 furniture stores in 14 European countries and 24 online stores in the XXXLutz, Möbelix and Mömax sales channels. The group recently achieved a turnover of around 6 billion euros. In Switzerland, the group acquired several furniture stores, including Möbel Pfister, Lipo and Conforama.
