// Asda’s £600 million takeover of Co-op petrol stations will face a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) merger inquiry
// The deadline for the CMA’s phase one decision is 14 March.
A CMA inquiry has been launched into Asda’s completed £600m takeover of Co-op petrol stations.
A decision on the first phase of the inquiry is expected by March 14.
The petrol station deal completed last October and included 129 convenience stores of between 1,500 and 3,000 sq ft, with attached petrol stations, and three development sites.
It also saw 2,300 workers move over to the supermarket giant, following consultation with Usdaw.
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The deal came after Asda’s £6.8 billion takeover by the billionaire Issa brothers and private equity backers TDR Capital, who also own the EG Group forecourt giant.
Growing convenience is a big part of the new owners’ growth plan for Asda. It is also aiming to open 300 of its new Asda Express convenience format by the end of 2026.
The CMA is now considering whether the transaction will result in a “substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services”.
A spokesperson for Asda said: “The acquisition of these sites is part of our long-term strategy to build a convenience business and bring Asda’s great value in fuel and groceries to more customers and communities throughout the UK.
“We referred the acquisition to the CMA when it completed last October and look forward to working collaboratively with them in the coming months.”
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