This paper reports on an analysis of the structure of the supermarket sector in Brazil from 1991 to 2002. This analysis revealed a growth in market concentration driven by the entry of foreign retail companies and by a considerable increase in mergers and acquisitions in the late 1990s. The turnover was high, but did not, in general, involve the largest groups. Although there have been contradictory effects, the structural changes in Brazil's retail sector may lead to the abuse of market power on the part of the largest retailers, a possibility that should concern the antitrust authorities.
structural change; retail; supermarkets
