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.
-
Oct- 2019 -30 OctoberClothing & Shoes
Sports Direct: CMA published ‘inaccurate’ market data in Footasylum probe
Sports Direct has claimed the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published “inaccurate estimates” of its market share data during its investigation into of competitors JD Sports’ £90m takeover of Footasylum. In a statement published on the London Stock Exchange, Sports Direct said it had noted that during the CMA’s…
Read More » -
18 OctoberSupermarkets
Walmart offloads Asda pensions amid IPO plans
Asda owner Walmart has reportedly struck a deal to offload £3.8bn worth of pension liabilities as it eyes a potential IPO. According to Sky News, Walmart and Asda’s pension trustees have agreed a deal with specialist insurer of corporate retirement schemes Rothesay Life. The move will see the company take…
Read More » -
1 OctoberHigh Street
JD Sports responds to CMA amid Footasylum probe extension
JD Sports has said it “strongly disagrees” with the Competition and Market Authority (CMA) that its proposed £90m takeover of Footasylum would be “bad for customers”, as it now faces a full-scale investigation into the deal. Following the CMA’s Phase 1 decision of 19 September 2019, JD said it has…
Read More » -
Sep- 2019 -19 SeptemberHigh Street
CMA extends inquiry into JD Sports’ acquisition of Footasylum
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has extended its inquiry into JD Sports’ acquisition of Footasylum, with the regulator warning it could lead to a “worse deal for customers”. The CMA report noted concerns that the loss of competition brought about by the merger could result in “higher prices, worse…
Read More » -
17 SeptemberSupermarkets
Asda FY sales and profits rise despite merger disappointment
Asda has reported an increase in both full-year sales and profits during the period it was the focus of an unsuccessful merger with rival Sainsbury’s. The accounts for Asda Group Limited, filed on Companies House, which includes the financial activities of all Asda stores, distribution centres and online operations show…
Read More » -
Jul- 2019 -25 JulyClothing & Shoes
CMA launches probe of JD Sports’ acquisition of Footasylum
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has begun its inquiry into JD Sports’ acquisition of footwear retailer, Footasylum. Phase 1 of the inquiry, will look to determine if the takeover could result in “a substantial lessening of competition in any market”. The CMA also said it has “reasonable grounds” for…
Read More » -
10 JulySupermarkets
Asda Sainsbury’s merger blocked for 10 years
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has prohibited Asda and Sainsbury’s from working with each other until 29 July 2019 after it blocked the supermarkets’ attempt at a merger. Concluding its investigation into the merging of the supermarkets, the order came into force on 9 July 2019 as it said…
Read More » -
5 JulyOnline & Digital
Amazon’s Deliveroo deal could face CMA investigation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has put Amazon’s Deliveroo deal on hold as the regulator said it believed it could “result in Amazon and Deliveroo ceasing to be distinct”. In May, Amazon led a $575m (£450m) investment round in the food delivery app raising a $1.53bn (£1.2bn) total. The…
Read More » -
3 JulySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s Q1 sales fall as non-food sales struggle
Sainsbury’s has announced another tough quarter of trading as it revealed a 1.2% fall in total sales during Q1. During the 16 week period ending 29 June Sainsbury’s like-for-like sales also fell by 1.6% as its attempt to reduce the prices of more than 1,000 “big selling” own-brand products did…
Read More » -
Jun- 2019 -24 JuneSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s boss Coupe slammed for £3.9m bonus
Mike Coupe, CEO of supermarket chain Sainsbury’s, has been criticised by shareholders and MP for his £3.9m bonus. The bonus follows the company’s failed £50m merger with Asda and is 7% more than he got last year. At the time of the announcement, Coupe faced criticism after he was caught…
Read More »
