Sainsbury’s and Asda mega merger in doubt

Competition and Markets Authority finds ‘competition concerns in number of areas’.

The Competition and Markets Authority could block the proposed merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda after it found ‘very significant competition concerns in a number of areas’.

The CMA could also force the sale of a large number of stores or even one of the brand names, according to BBC News, stating that customers could see higher prices and less choice as a result of the proposed deal.

However, a spokesperson for Sainsbury’s and Asda said that the provisional findings “fundamentally misunderstood how people shop in the UK today and the intensity of competition in the grocery market”.

The statement continued: “The CMA has moved the goalposts and its analysis is inconsistent with comparable cases. Combining Sainsbury’s and Asda would create significant cost savings, which would allow us to lower prices.

“Despite the savings being independently reviewed by two separate industry specialists, the CMA has chosen to discount them as benefits.”

MORE NEWS
BPIAPavilion500x500
 
The Baby Products Industry Association is to reintroduce its UK Pavilion for the first time since 2019 at next year's Kind + Jugend....
NewbieGuildford500x500
 
Located in Guildford, Surrey, the new store marks a significant milestone in Newbie's ongoing expansion and solidifies its growing presence in the British market....
GracoSafetyWeek500x500
 
A long-time supporter of road safety charity Brake, car seat expert Graco has revved up for Brake’s Road Safety Week (17-23 Nov) with its own interactive campaign, Safety Within....
POPMoomin500x500
 
The partnership is part of the Moomins’ 80th anniversary celebrations in 2025 and marks the first of two collection releases, with the second due to debut in spring 2025....
Eggloo500x500
 
“With the eggloo, we’re not only delivering a functional product but also redefining the look and feel of a classic training tool.”...
Finnson500x500
 
Award-winning sustainable changing bag brand Finnsøn has introduced its AW24 product range....
Get the latest news sent to your inbox
Subscribe to our daily newsletter

The list doesn't exist! Make sure you have imported the list on the 'Manage List Forms' page.