CMA clears Booker’s acquisition of Londis and Budgens
The Competition & Markets Authority has cleared the proposed acquisition by Booker Group of the Londis and Budgens supermarket chains.
The group will buy the businesses from Ireland based Musgrave Retail Partners with the sale expected to complete on or before 14 September.
Charles Wilson, Booker Group chief executive, said: “We are pleased that the acquisition of Londis and Budgens has been cleared by the CMA. This will help strengthen our support for independent retailers throughout Great Britain.”
The announcement coincided with a trading statement issued by Booker Group in which it said total sales in the 10 weeks to 28 August fell by 2%, with tobacco sales 6.5% lower and non-tobacco sales rising by 0.1%.
Like-for-like sales at Booker, which owns the Makro wholesale chain, fell by 1.8% in the period with tobacco sales down 6.6% and non-tobacco sales edging up 0.5%.
The group said tobacco sales had been depressed by the ban on small stores displaying tobacco products.
Wilson said: “Booker Group continues to make good progress. Our plan to Focus, Drive and Broaden Booker Group is on track. We continue to improve choice, price and service to become the best supplier to caterers, retailers and small businesses in the UK.”
