Merger Update: Asda / Arthur (Co-op)

Merger decision announced:

The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that the following Merger has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.

COMPLETED ACQUISITION BY ASDA STORES LIMITED OF ARTHUR FOODSTORES LIMITED FROM CO-OPERATIVE GROUP LIMITED

The CMA is therefore considering whether to accept an undertaking under section 73 of the Enterprise Act 2002 (the Act) in lieu of a reference. Pursuant to section 73A(1) of the Act, the Parties have until 21 March 2023  to offer an undertaking to the CMA that might be accepted by the CMA under section 73(2) of the Act. If no such undertaking is offered, then the CMA will refer this Merger pursuant to sections 22(1) and 34ZA(2) of the Act:

The text of this decision will be placed on the Competition and Markets Authority's website at www.gov.uk/CMA as soon as is reasonably practicable.

In the event of media enquiries please email [email protected].