The Competition and Markets Authority have confirmed that they are investigating the anticipated acquisition of Nisa Retail by the Co-Operative Group.

Phase 1 of the investigation will run from today (22nd February) until 9th March. In the CMA’s statement about Phase 1, they state that they are  ‘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.’

Nisa shareholders voted in favour of the merger at a meeting in November 2017, subject to approval by the CMA.

There are 49,918 stores in the UK convenience sector, generating sales of over £38bn and creating around 370,000 jobs. More information about the UK convenience sector can be found in the ACS Local Shop Report here: https://www.acs.org.uk/research/local-shop-report

The CMA is currently seeking views on the merger from interested parties. More details about the investigation can be found on the Gov.uk website at https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/co-operative-group-nisa-retail-merger-inquiry