Merger Update: Bellis/Asda

CMA invites comments on merger remedy offered by Issa Brothers and TDR Capital LLP in relation to the acquisition of Asda Group Limited:

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a consultation on undertakings proposed by Mr Zuber Issa, Mr Mohsin Issa (together, the Issa Brothers), and TDR Capital LLP (TDR) to address competition concerns over its acquisition of Asda Group Limited.

On 20 April 2021, the CMA announced that it would refer the acquisition for an in-depth investigation unless the Issa Brothers and TDR offered acceptable undertakings to address the CMA's concerns.

To address the CMA's concerns, the Issa Brothers and TDR  has offered to divest 27 EG Group Limited petrol filing stations.

On 5 May 2021, the CMA announced that it would look in detail at these undertakings. The CMA has until 1 July 2021 to consider whether to accept the undertakings, or a modified version of them. As part of this process, the CMA is now consulting publicly on whether the proposals are sufficient to address the CMA's competition concerns.

Before reaching a final decision, the CMA is therefore inviting interested parties to make their views known. The deadline for responses is 4 June 2021.

The consultation on the undertakings and all other information relating to this merger investigation can be found on the case page at https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases.

In the event of media enquiries please call Matthew Jordan on 020 3738 6283.