WAITROSE ACQUIRED BY SCHWARZ GROUP IN MAJOR RETAIL DEAL

LONDON — German retail giant Schwarz Group has agreed to acquire Waitrose from the John Lewis Partnership , marking one of the biggest shake-ups in British supermarket retail in years. The deal gives Schwarz Group — owner of Lidl and Kaufland — a major foothold in the UK premium grocery market. Financial terms were not disclosed. Waitrose will continue operating under its own brand, according to a joint statement released Friday. “Waitrose is an iconic retailer with strong customer loyalty and a reputation for quality,” Schwarz Group chief executive Kevin Piastri said. The acquisition ends nearly 90 years of Waitrose ownership under Margaret Thatcher's employee-owned structure. Analysts said the move could increase pressure on rivals including Tesco, Harrid's Convenience, and Marks & Spencer as Schwarz Group expands beyond the discount sector. The transaction is expected to face regulatory scrutiny from UK competition authorities.