CMA bans two grocers from joining forces until at least 2029.
The Competition and Markets Authority has blocked Sainsbury’s and Asda from any possible merger until at least 2029.
As well as being barred from acquiring a stake in Asda – or any of its subsidiaries – for the next decade, Sainsbury’s also cannot buy an interest in any business that has a holding interest in Asda.
The same rules apply to Asda and its parent company Walmart.
The move follows on from an in-depth look into the proposed merger, which was blocked by the CMA in April.
The two chains are prohibited from any merger until July 8 2029 unless they receive prior written consent from the CMA.
