Proposed merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda could push up prices and reduce quality warns competition watchdog

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) – the watchdog looking into the a multi-billion pound merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda – has found that the proposed deal could lead to a worse experience for in-store and online shoppers across the UK.

The watchdog says shoppers could see higher prices, a poorer shopping experience, and reductions in the range and quality of products offered.

It also has concerns that prices could rise at a large number of Sainsbury’s and Asda petrol stations.

The CMA says it has ‘provisional’ concerns that the merger could lead to a substantial lessening of competition at both a national and local level.

The combined impact means that people could lose out right across the UK and that the deal could also cost shoppers through reduced competition in particular areas where Sainsbury’s and Asda stores overlap.

Stuart McIntosh, chair of the independent inquiry group carrying out the investigation, said:

“These are two of the biggest supermarkets in the UK, with millions of people purchasing their products and services every day. We have provisionally found that, should the two merge, shoppers could face higher prices, reduced quality and choice, and a poorer overall shopping experience across the UK. We also have concerns that prices could rise at a large number of their petrol stations.

These are our provisional findings, however, and the companies and others now have the opportunity to respond to the analysis we’ve set out today. It’s our responsibility to carry out a thorough assessment of the deal to make sure that the sector remains competitive and shoppers don’t lose out.”

As well as concerns for people shopping in their stores, the CMA is concerned the merger could drive up prices and reduce the quality of service for online customers.

It also believes the deal could lead to inflated fuel costs at 132 locations where Sainsbury’s and Asda petrol stations overlap.

The CMA has set out potential options for addressing its provisional concerns.

These include blocking the deal or requiring the merging companies to sell off a significant number of stores and other assets – potentially including one of the Sainsbury’s or Asda brands – to recreate the competitive rivalry lost through the merger.

The CMA’s current view is that it is likely to be difficult for the companies to address the concerns it has identified.

Sainsbury’s and Asda both have stores in Flint, Delyn MP David Hanson previoulsy called for assurances no jobs will be lost in the town, Mr Hanson said:

“As Flint has both a Sainsbury’s and Asda next door to each other the merger proposals are of deep concern.

Asda and Sainsbury’s employ a large number of people in Flint and we need assurances that they will have job security going forward.

I am watching closely to ensure any decision made does not negatively impact on employees or customers of these stores.”