ASDA Cleared to Buy Marple Coop by Competition & Markets Authority

The Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has cleared the ASDA purchase of the Marple Coop store.

In its judgement the CMA commented that if ASDA has more significant development plans that the Coop had "pre-merger" this does not mean that the merger will give rise to a substantial lessening of competition.  It went on to say that any development plans by ASDA may be subject to local planning law.

Finally, the CMA commented that it had seen no evidence that the merger will have a negative impact on the potential entry of another grocery retailer (Councillors please note!)

The full judgement can be seen on the CMA website HERE