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.
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Mar- 2021 -31 MarchComment
It’ll be alright on the night
They haven’t seen a customer for months, and if reports are to be believed, it’s likely that other, unwanted visitors have likely moved in. But, for now, let’s assume that the local pest control have done their job, spring and summer lines are on the rails, and the windows are…
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26 MarchHigh Street
Argos to provide £500,000 to customers, amid CMA warranty findings
Argos has announced it will provide over £500,000 to customers who may have missed out on a cheaper extended warranty deal. The retailer was recently investigated by the CMA and has agreed to fix the way it sells extended warranties to customers and provide a “goodwill gesture” to those who…
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8 MarchSupermarkets
Issa Bros considering adding nail bars and salons to Asda offering
Mohsin and Zuber, the new owners of Asda, are reportedly considering adding nail bars, salons and cafes to the supermarkets offering while reducing grocery floor space. According to The Sunday Times, the Issa Brothers are considering reducing the grocery floor space in stores by up to a quarter in order…
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Feb- 2021 -23 FebruarySupermarkets
Asda owners consider George spin-off
Asda’s new owners are reportedly considering spinning off George, the fashion label developed by George Davies, in an attempt to cut costs. Industry sources told the Times that the Issa brothers and TDR Capital believe the brand is outside of their area of expertise. While selling the brand outright could…
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17 FebruarySupermarkets
Regulator to rule on Issa Brothers’ Asda takeover
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has set a deadline for 20 April for a decision on the acquisition of Asda by TDR Capital and the Issa Brothers. Zuber and Mohsin Issa, alongwith the private equity firm, agreed to purchase a majority stake in the supermarket chain from Walmart in…
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16 FebruaryOnline & Digital
Ebay’s sale of Gumtree sparks concern by CMA
The Competitions and Markets Authority (CMA) has raised concerns that Adevinta’s anticipated £6.5bn purchase of Gumtree from Ebay could lead to higher prices and less choice for consumers. Adevinta’s Shpock and Ebay Classified Group’s (eCG) Gumtree, both operate online classified advertising platforms in the UK which allow people to buy…
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16 February
Amazon infiltrated by fake review sites, Which? report finds
A Which? investigation has uncovered a “thriving” industry of review manipulation businesses targeting Amazon, despite ongoing measures to combat fake reviews on its platform. Amid growing competition between sellers, Amazon, which sold an estimated $295bn (£212bn) worth of products worldwide in 2020, has seen a rise in sellers “turning to…
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3 FebruarySupermarkets
EG Group to acquire Asda’s forecourt business in £750m deal
The EG Group, part of the consortium that is set to acquire ‘Big Four’ Grocer Asda in a £6.8bn deal, has announced it will also acquire Asda’s petrol forecourt business for £750m. EG’s acquisition of the forecourt business is subject to the same CMA regulatory clearance being received by the…
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Dec- 2020 -15 DecemberNews
Asda paid Walmart £1.1bn dividend before sale, accounts reveal
Asda paid an intercompany cash dividend of £1.15bn to former parent company Walmart in March this year, despite profits being dented by the onset of the pandemic, according to recently published company accounts. The payout came only months before the American retail giant sold the business to billionaire Issa Brothers…
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9 DecemberSupermarkets
CMA launches inquiry into Issa Bros’ Asda takeover
The CMA has announced the launch of a phase 1 inquiry into the Issa Brothers’ £6.8bn takeover of Asda. It said that on 8 December 2020 the CMA has launched its phase 1 investigation after the European Commission’s decision to refer the case to the United Kingdom, following a request…
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