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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Dec- 2018 -12 DecemberSupermarkets
Sainsbury’s and Asda to challenge CMA probe with judicial review
Sainsbury’s and Asda are set to take the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to a judicial review believing they have not been given enough time to effectively argue their case for the merger. The investigation into the merger by the CMA is expected to be completed by the start…
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4 DecemberSupermarkets
Morrisons and Tesco speak out against Sainsbury’s-Asda merger
Morrisons and Tesco have become the latest grocers to speak out over the proposed Sainsbury’s-Asda merger with Tesco telling a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) hearing “extensive remedies” are needed. Britain’s current largest grocer told the competition watchdog that the “four-to-three” deal – referring to the ‘Big Four’ becoming…
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Nov- 2018 -7 NovemberClothing & Shoes
Marks and Spencer sales fall
M&S’ group revenue has dropped by 3.1% to £4,966.9m in its half-year results to the year ending 15 September 2018. Furthermore, its like-for-like food and clothing sales fell by 2.9% and 1.1% respectively which the company said reflected a “tough trading” period. The figures have been impacted by the company’s…
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Sep- 2018 -19 SeptemberSupermarkets
CMA refers Sainsbury’s-Asda merger for further investigation
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced the proposed merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda is to be referred for an in-depth ‘Phase 2’ investigation, after finding it raises “sufficient concerns”. The CMA said concerns arise from both grocery retailers in the UK possessing stores that overlap in hundreds of…
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14 SeptemberSupermarkets
Co-op reports strong H1 sales growth thanks to Nisa acquisition
Sales for supermarket group Co-op increased by 10% to £5bn for its half-year financial results, driven by a strong food sales performance and the acquisition of wholesales grocer Nisa. Food retail like-for-like sales increased by 4.4% and group profit before tax increased to £26m, compared with £14m the previous year.…
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Aug- 2018 -23 AugustSupermarkets
CMA begins Sainsbury’s Asda merger probe
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched its formal investigation into the proposed merger between J Sainsbury PLC and Asda Group. Since the announcement of the proposed merger on 30 April, the CMA has been gathering the information needed to start its formal investigation. It will now begin the…
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20 AugustSupermarkets
300 stores ‘could shut’ amid Sainsbury’s Asda merger
The result of the Sainsbury’s Asda merger could see up to 300 stores be forced to close if the merger was to go ahead according to new research. Analysis by The Times, which used modelling techniques used by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and found that up to 300…
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Jul- 2018 -9 JulySupermarkets
Costcutter rejects Co-op’s £15m takeover bid
The parent company of Costcutter, Bibby Line, has rejected a £15m bid from the Co-op which would have resulted in a full takeover of the company’s convenience stores. The deal would have seen Co-op become a retail business with over 4,000 stores, up from circa 2,500. It is understood the…
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Jun- 2018 -19 JuneSupermarkets
CMA reveals Asda-Sainsbury’s merger comments
Industry responses to a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) consultation on the proposed Asda-Sainsbury’s merger have revealed concerns about higher prices and reduced choice for customers. A number of submissions concerned the impact of the proposed merger at a national level, with fears it would lead to increased concentration in…
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1 JuneHigh Street
Lush ‘anti-police’ campaign heavily criticised
Cosmetics retailer Lush has been shrouded in controversy after releasing window displays described by many on social media as “anti-police”. According to Lush the window displays are aimed at the undercover policing scandal and at highlighting the “current lack of progress of the Undercover Policing Inquiry and the granting of…
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