The Competition & Market Authority is seeking views on the anticipated merger of Co-op Group and Southern Co-op as it kickstarts its consultation process.
The watchdog is issuing the ‘invitation to comment’ ahead of formally launching a Phase 1 inquiry, to allow interested parties to submit their views on the impact the transaction could have on competition in the UK.
The invitation to comment, which is the first part of the CMA’s information-gathering process, launched today and will remain open until 18 June.
The merger between Southern Co-op and the Co-operative Group was confirmed on 21 May at the second Special General Meeting, when 97.8% of Southern members voted in favour.
It followed the first meeting on 6 May which saw 97.07% of Southern members back the deal, despite opposition from campaign group Save Our Southern.
The merger is set to create an organisation with sales of circa £11.5bn. Co-op Group operates around 2,300 stores as well as owning Co-op Wholesale, the business previously known as Nisa. Southern operates around 175 food stores.
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