The Competition and Markets Authority has extended the reference period for its investigation into the proposed merger between Sainsbury’s and Asda.
The reference period was due to expire on 5th March, but has now been extended by eight weeks to 30th April.
The CMA plans to come up with its provisional findings this month (February) and consider possible remedies. The parties involved will have until mid-March to respond.
The CMA’s final report will then be published at the end of April.
The CMA’s Inquiry Group said the decision to extend the reference period reflected “ the scope and complexity of the investigation and the need to consider issues raised by the main parties’ and third parties’ submissions, and the need to reach a fully reasoned provisional decision.”
