24/06/2003
Competition Commission may block bids for Safeway
In a lengthy statement today the Competition Commission has outlined why it may move to block some of the suitors’ bids for supermarket chain Safeway in the public interest.
Four bids have been referred for consideration buy the watchdog as fears grow that a takeover could undermine competition in the retail sector.
Though the Competition Commission said that it has as yet reached no conclusion on the bids, it did indicate that it considered the bid from Morrisons’ to be good in terms of continued UK competition in the supermarket sector.
A fifth bid from Philip Green, who owns both BHS and high street clothing stores has not been referred to the Commission as the company’s portfolio includes no food stores, and consequently will escape examination by the Commission.
Safeway, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket chain, has been the attention of rival bids since Sir Ken Morrison declared an interest in acquiring the business earlier this year.
However, the bids placed by the larger supermarket retails chains, Tesco, Sainsbury, and Asda (owned by Wal-Mart) have attracted fierce opposition from wholesalers concerned about the concentration of power in a few large companies in the UK.
While the Competition Commission may take several months to reach a decision, it has already warned the larger competitors for the bid that they may have to take remedial steps such as selling some stores in the UK in order to continue with their bids.
The parties concerned have until July 4 to make their views known to the Commission.
(SP)
Four bids have been referred for consideration buy the watchdog as fears grow that a takeover could undermine competition in the retail sector.
Though the Competition Commission said that it has as yet reached no conclusion on the bids, it did indicate that it considered the bid from Morrisons’ to be good in terms of continued UK competition in the supermarket sector.
A fifth bid from Philip Green, who owns both BHS and high street clothing stores has not been referred to the Commission as the company’s portfolio includes no food stores, and consequently will escape examination by the Commission.
Safeway, the UK’s fourth largest supermarket chain, has been the attention of rival bids since Sir Ken Morrison declared an interest in acquiring the business earlier this year.
However, the bids placed by the larger supermarket retails chains, Tesco, Sainsbury, and Asda (owned by Wal-Mart) have attracted fierce opposition from wholesalers concerned about the concentration of power in a few large companies in the UK.
While the Competition Commission may take several months to reach a decision, it has already warned the larger competitors for the bid that they may have to take remedial steps such as selling some stores in the UK in order to continue with their bids.
The parties concerned have until July 4 to make their views known to the Commission.
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 September 2008
BAA Announces Plans To Sell Gatwick "Immediately"
Airport operator BAA has announced plans to sell the UK's second-largest airport, Gatwick "immediately". BAA's Chief Executive Colin Matthews, in a statement, said: "Gatwick has long been an important and valuable part of BAA and the decision to sell was not taken lightly.
BAA Announces Plans To Sell Gatwick "Immediately"
Airport operator BAA has announced plans to sell the UK's second-largest airport, Gatwick "immediately". BAA's Chief Executive Colin Matthews, in a statement, said: "Gatwick has long been an important and valuable part of BAA and the decision to sell was not taken lightly.
19 August 2011
Sky Pay-TV Films 'Restrict Competition'
The Competition Commission has provisionally ruled that Sky's control over pay-TV movie rights in the UK is restricting competition.
Sky Pay-TV Films 'Restrict Competition'
The Competition Commission has provisionally ruled that Sky's control over pay-TV movie rights in the UK is restricting competition.
19 March 2009
CC Orders BAA To Sell Two Airports
The Competition Commission (CC) has ordered BAA to sell both Gatwick and Stansted as well as either Edinburgh or Glasgow. In its final report on BAA's ownership of seven UK airports, the CC also stipulates that BAA must sell all three airports within two years.
CC Orders BAA To Sell Two Airports
The Competition Commission (CC) has ordered BAA to sell both Gatwick and Stansted as well as either Edinburgh or Glasgow. In its final report on BAA's ownership of seven UK airports, the CC also stipulates that BAA must sell all three airports within two years.
05 February 2009
Project Kangaroo Blocked Due To 'Competition Threat'
The on-demand video service Project Kangaroo has been blocked by the Competition Commission, because it posed "too much of a threat to competition".
Project Kangaroo Blocked Due To 'Competition Threat'
The on-demand video service Project Kangaroo has been blocked by the Competition Commission, because it posed "too much of a threat to competition".
09 March 2006
Supermarkets facing competition investigation
The increasing dominance of supermarkets in Britain's grocery market may be investigated, it has been revealed. The Office of Fair Trading has announced that it is planning to refer the issue to the Competition Commission for more detailed investigation.
Supermarkets facing competition investigation
The increasing dominance of supermarkets in Britain's grocery market may be investigated, it has been revealed. The Office of Fair Trading has announced that it is planning to refer the issue to the Competition Commission for more detailed investigation.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.