The Competitions and Markets Authority has blocked the proposed merger between supermarket giants Sainsbury’s and Asda. This comes after it was revealed that UK shoppers would be left worse off by the deal.
In the final report, the CMA found that the merger would lead to price increases, a reduction of quality or a poorer overall shopping experience.
Stuart McIntosh, chair of the inquiry group, said: “It’s our responsibility to protect the millions of people who shop at Sainsbury’s and Asda every week.
“We have concluded that there is no effective way of addressing our concerns, other than to block the merger.”
The merger would also leave shoppers that shop online with a fewer delivery options, as well as petrol prices rising where Sainsbury’s and Asda are both situated close together.
