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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Jun- 2018 -1 JuneHigh Street
Over 10,000 stores predicted to close in 2018, analysts say
A new report from the Centre for Retail Research (CRR) has predicted that 2018 will be the worst year on record for store closures, with more than 10,000 outlets disappearing from the high street. The ‘Retail At Bay 2018’ study also argues that the developing crisis in the retail sector…
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May- 2018 -18 MayM&A
CMA shops around for comments on Sainsbury’s Asda merger
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda, after inviting interested parties to comment on the deal as part of a ‘phase one’ inquiry. The CMA “invitation to comment” was released today as the start of an information gathering process before the formal investigation…
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11 MaySupermarkets
Sainsbury’s and Asda could be forced to sell more than 70 stores
Sainsbury’s and Asda may have to sell at least 73 stores in order for the merger to go ahead according to a leading expert in store location. David Haywood founder of Maximise UK predicts that at least 6% of Sainsbury’s and Asda stores are under threat of closure, due to…
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8 MayM&A
Asda-Sainsbury’s merger fears voiced by industry bodies
Trade bodies and environmental groups fear the proposed merger of Asda and Sainsbury’s will further squeeze UK food producers and result in sliding ethical and environmental standards, Retail Sector can reveal. An array of industry spokespeople said the consolidated retail group would represent near-monopoly status in many towns in the…
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3 MaySupermarkets
Nisa members attempt to stop Co-op takeover
A group of 30 members of Nisa have hired a lawyer to help them try to halt the takeover by Co-op. The takeover is expected to go through following the court sanction after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) cleared the deal last week. The takeover was approved on the…
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3 MayGovernment
Asda-Sainsbury’s merger: Committees pen letter fearing ‘dominance’
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (EFRA) and Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committees have written a joint letter to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) regarding the proposed Asda and Sainsbury’s merger. The letter from Rachel Reeves, chair of the BEIS committee and Neil Parish, chair…
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Apr- 2018 -24 AprilHigh Street
Co-op’s £143m takeover of Nisa cleared by CMA
The Co-op’s £143m takeover of Nisa approved by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), subject to a court sanction on May 4. The Nisa board voted in favour of the proposal by Co-Op in November 2017 and the deal is hoped to be completed by 8 May. In a joint…
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Mar- 2018 -9 MarchDIY
Countrywide farmers enters administration putting 735 jobs at risk
A buyer is being sought for retailer Countrywide Farmers, which has gone into administration putting 735 jobs at risk. The Worcestershire based supplier of agricultural goods, which employs more than 700 people and has 48 stores, has appointed administrators from KPMG to handle the sale of the business. According to…
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Feb- 2018 -5 FebruaryPeople Moves
Tesco appoints new UK CEO Charles Wilson
Tesco has appointed Booker Group boss Charles Wilson as the new CEO for its UK and Ireland retail and wholesale operations. Wilson will take over from current chief executive Matt Davies in April after the supermarket giants’ £3.7bn takeover of Booker. Tesco group chief executive Dave Lewis said: “I am…
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Jan- 2018 -2 JanuaryNews
Co-op to open 100 new food stores in 2018
The Co-op has confirmed plans to open 100 new food stores across the UK in 2018, creating an estimated 1,600 jobs. It comes as part of the £160m investment programme for the community retailer that includes new stores and major refurbishment for a further 150 outlets. More than 20 new…
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