German supermarket chain Lidl has been ordered to pay €43 million to French rival Intermarché following a ruling by a French appeals court that Lidl engaged in deceptive commercial practices. The court found that Lidl advertised promotional prices on products that were not consistently available in all its stores, leading to the penalty. Lidl has announced its intention to appeal the decision. Separately, Lidl is expanding its presence in France by acquiring 19 supermarkets from Auchan, a move reflecting its strategic push to increase market share. Additionally, Lidl plans to open a new £9 million store near Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon, with an expected opening early next year.