Sainsbury’s-Asda merger could push up prices and reduce quality, says regulator
Staff Writer |
The CMA has provisionally found extensive competition concerns as part of its in-depth investigation of the proposed merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda.
Article continues below
>
At this stage in its Phase 2 investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that the proposed deal could lead to a worse experience for in-store and online shoppers across the UK through higher prices, a poorer shopping experience, and reductions in the range and quality of products offered.
It also has concerns that prices could rise at a large number of Sainsbury’s and Asda petrol stations.
The CMA has provisional concerns that the merger could lead to a substantial lessening of competition at both a national and local level.
The combined impact means that people could lose out right across the UK and that the deal could also cost shoppers through reduced competition in particular areas where Sainsbury’s and Asda stores overlap.
As well as concerns for people shopping in their stores, the CMA is concerned the merger could drive up prices and reduce the quality of service for online customers.
It also believes the deal could lead to inflated fuel costs at more than 100 locations where Sainsbury’s and Asda petrol stations overlap.
The CMA has set out potential options for addressing its provisional concerns.
These include blocking the deal or requiring the merging companies to sell off a significant number of stores and other assets – potentially including one of the Sainsbury’s or Asda brands – to recreate the competitive rivalry lost through the merger. The CMA’s current view is that it is likely to be difficult for the companies to address the concerns it has identified.
The CMA now welcomes responses from interested parties to its provisional findings by 13 March 2019 and its notice of possible remedies by 6 March 2019. The CMA’s final report will be issued by 30 April 2019. ■