The competition watchdog has opened a formal investigation into the proposed merger between the supermarkets J Sainsbury and Asda.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it needed to ascertain how the deal could affect competition for consumers as Sainsbury’s and Asda were not only large grocery retailers, in stores and online, but also competed to sell fuel, electricals, toys and clothing. The inquiry will consider whether the deal could reduce choice, increase prices and lead to a deterioration in the quality of service.
The Times has this week published a series analysing the impact of the multibillion-pound merger, which identified fears that suppliers will bear the brunt of cost savings and workers could lose their jobs.
Click here for the full Times article (£)
Click here for the full Telegraph article (£)
