Sainsbury’s and Asda request more time in CMA probe
The Sainsbury’s and Asda supermarket chains have asked the Competitions and Markets Authority for more time to provide and consider all the evidence regarding their proposed merger.
In a statement, the two companies said the application reflected their view that the current timetable did not give the two retailers or the CMA sufficient time given the scale and complexity of the case. Sainsbury’s and Asda have asked the CMA for an additional 11 working days over the Christmas period to respond to what they describe as a large amount of material recently provided to them.
The companies will lodge an application with the Competition Appeal Tribunal for a Judicial Review of the second phase of the CMA investigation into the proposed merger. This will request a review of the CMA’s timetable and process.
In the statement, they added: “We are confident in the merits of the deal and our ability to deliver the synergies. By bringing our two businesses together, we will invest further in range, quality and customer service, while lowering prices and reducing the cost of living for millions of UK households.”
