Competition probe launched into £6.8bn takeover of Asda

The CMA now has until February 18 to reach a decision on the first stage of its investigation.

The UK’s competition watchdog is investigating Asda’s planned £6.8bn (€7.5bn) takeover by the billionaire Issa brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital Picture: Rui Vieira/PA

Asda’s planned £6.8bn (€7.5bn) takeover by the billionaire Issa brothers and private equity firm TDR Capital is being investigated by the UK’s competition watchdog.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has formally launched its so-called phase one probe into the Asda deal after the European Commission referred the deal to the UK.