Competition Markets Authority
Statutory timetable
| Phase 1 | Action |
| 8 September 2022 | Decision announced |
| 13 July 2022 | Launch of merger inquiry |
| 25 May 2022 | Initial enforcement order |
Phase 1
Reference unless undertakings accepted
8 September 2022: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.
- (8.9.22)
- Press release: Morrisons / McColls merger only raises concerns in a small number of local areas (8.9.22)
Launch of merger inquiry
13 July 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.
- (13.7.22)
Invitation to comment: closes on 27 July 2022
13 July 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.
These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.
Initial enforcement order
25 May 2022: The Competition and Markets Authority has served an initial enforcement order under section 72 (2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on Clayton, Dubilier & Rice Holdings, LLC; Motor Fuel Limited and CD&R Firefly Holdco Limited; Market Bidco Limited, Market Topco Limited, and each of the subsidiaries of Wm Morrison Supermarkets Limited other than Alliance Property Holdings Limited (Morrisons); and Alliance Property Holdings Limited, the holding company for McColls Retail Group plc, Martin McColl Limited, Clark Retail Limited, Dillons Stores Limited, Smile Stores Limited, Charnwait Management Limited, and Martin Retail Group Limited (McColls).
- (30.5.22)
Amendments / consents granted
- (2.9.22)
- (12.8.22)
- (12.8.22)
- (12.8.22)
- (2.9.22)
- (2.9.22)
- (2.9.22)
- (2.9.22)
- (12.8.22)
- (5.7.22)
- (5.7.22)
Contact
Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to:
Jonathan Akinyemi, jonathan.akinyemi@cma.gov.uk
Darren Gysi, darren.gysi@cma.gov.uk