What is the significance of Demant's purchase of the KIND group in Germany?

As a model of hearing care delivery, retail chains of practices are now the dominant model across much of Western and Central Europe. Traditional models and, crucially, independent practices are being squeezed and erased. Accelerating consolidation away from fragmented older models, Demant's €700million acquisition of KIND's 650-plus stores dramatically shifts the balance in Germany and Central Europe. The bigger picture revolves around how strategically desirable the move is seen by other entities in the hearing market with the clout to seal such deals. Consider the dynamics: Amplifon is the world's largest hearing aid retailer. The Italy-based group's global share of the retail hearing market share of  ~ 11% to 13% (Amplifon claims 13% on its website) is accompanied by impressive figures of 10,000 points of sale and 20,900 employees. Compare this with the KIND purchase by the Danish hearing aid manufacturer; key word manufacturer, because it means they make the hearing...