Competition Bureau And Empire Company Strike Property Controls Agreement

12:52 PM EDT, 09/22/2026 (MT Newswires) -- The Competition Bureau has sealed a legally binding agreement with Empire Company (EMP-A.TO) to limit its use of property controls, the Canadian regulator said on Tuesday. Empire is the parent company of large grocery store chains that include Sobeys and Safeway. Grocery sector property controls restrict the sale of food products on commercial property, and can reduce competition in local markets across Canada, the Bureau statement added. Empire had announced its commitments to address its use of property controls in July, and will formalize these measures through a consent agreement registered with the Competition Tribunal. It said it will not enforce existing restrictive covenants, enter new restrictive covenants, and will limit its use of exclusivity clauses. In the July statement, Empire defended its use of property controls, saying the practices "enable market entry and sustain developments, particularly in underserved communities." The Bureau's investigation into the use of property controls by other grocers is ongoing. "The agreement with Empire removes barriers to competition and will support new entry and increased competition from retailers selling everyday essential items," said Interim Commissioner of Competition, Jeanne Pratt. Empire Company shares were last seen up CA$0.57 at CA$47.33 on the Toronto Stock Exchange. Price: 47.35, Change: +0.60, Percent Change: +1.28