J Sainsbury and Asda could have to dispose of stores in up to 300 locations across Britain if the two grocers are to succeed in convincing regulators to approve their proposed merger.
In a sign of the potential regulatory challenge facing the companies, an analysis by The Times and industry bodies using modelling techniques typically employed by the Competition and Markets Authority shows that there are at least 300 catchment areas where the merger could run into local competition concerns.
About half of these 300 areas could be deemed problem locations where both Wm Morrison or Tesco, the natural buyers of a Sainsbury’s or Asda store, might not be able or want to buy the outlets.
