Competition and Markets Authority
This coverage examines the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) interventions and decisions affecting the UK retail sector, focusing on mergers, market investigations, pricing policies, and consumer protections. Reporting highlights how regulatory actions influence retail competition, compliance obligations, and strategic planning — offering insight for executives, legal counsel, and professionals navigating regulatory risks and market oversight.
-
Sep- 2021 -2 SeptemberClothing & Shoes
CMA blocks JD Sports’ Footasylum merger deal
JD Sports could be required to sell Footasylum after its merger was recently blocked by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on the grounds that it could lead to a “worse deal” for shoppers. The CMA’s latest decision to block the merger, comes after its first attempt in May 2020,…
Read More » -
Aug- 2021 -2 AugustSupermarkets
CD&R set to launch rival Morrisons bid
Private equity group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) is reportedly set to kick off a bidding war for grocery chain Morrisons, following a £6.3bn offer from American rival Fortress. According to The Sunday Times, CD&R is said to be lining up equity and debt financing for a counter bid offer…
Read More » -
Jul- 2021 -30 JulySupermarkets
CMA raises no issues over Morrisons takeover
The private equity backed consortium looking to buy Morrisons has said the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has not raised any issues surrounding its £6.3bn takeover deal. The consortium, which is led by Majestic Wines owner Fortress, has said the CMA has told the group that it had “no further…
Read More » -
28 JulyOnline & Digital
Music Magpie sees revenues up 2.3% following IPO float
Music Magpie, an e-commerce retail business, saw its group revenues grow by 2.3% to £72.8m for the six months ending 31 May 2021. The store, which sells refurbished electronics and second-hand video games, also reported a pre-tax profit of £4m over the six months period- up from £3.3m last year.…
Read More » -
1 JulyGovernment
Business committee chair questions CMA investigative takeover powers
The chair of the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee, Darren Jones, has written to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in relation to their powers to investigate takeovers. It follows the recent purchase of Asda using “significant amounts” of debt and the increased interest from private equity companies in…
Read More » -
Jun- 2021 -16 JuneSupermarkets
Issa Brothers given green light for £6.8bn Asda takeover
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has accepted the Issa Brothers offer to sell 27 of their 395 EG Group petrol filling stations in a bid to close their £6.8bn takeover of Asda. In April, the competition watchdog launched an investigation into the deal after it was feared that the…
Read More » -
10 June
CMA could investigate Amazon over data fears
The CMA is reportedly planning to launch a formal competition investigation into Amazon, following a similar investigation launched by the EU, according to the Financial Times. Three people familiar with the situation reportedly told the FT that the competition watchdog has been analysing the online giant “for months”, with particular…
Read More » -
May- 2021 -6 MaySupermarkets
Issa brothers step closer to Asda buyout
The Issa brothers are a step closer to completing their £6.8bn Asda buyout, having offered to address concerns put forward by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). In order to finalise the debt-fueled takeover, Zuber and Moshin Issa have agreed to sell 27 of their 395 EG Group petrol filling…
Read More » -
Apr- 2021 -21 AprilSupermarkets
Asda takeover may lead to higher petrol prices, CMA warns
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns that the £6.8bn takeover of Asda could lead to higher petrol prices in some areas of the UK. The watchdog has been reviewing the sale by Walmart to the Issa Brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital since December 2020. The…
Read More » -
16 AprilOnline & Digital
MusicMagpie plans £208m London float
MusicMagpie, the e-commerce retail business, has announced plans for a £208m float on the London Stock Exchange. The proposed admission to trading on AIM would place 7,772,020 new ordinary shares and 49,415,850 existing ordinary shares of one pence each, both at a placing price of 193 pence. The new shares…
Read More »
