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THIS WEEK'S NEWS
CMA INVESTIGATES ASDA SALE
THE PROPOSED £6.8BN TAKEOVER OF ASDA HAS HIT A SNAG ASCMA LAUNCHES AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE DEAL.
The proposed takeover of Asda by private equity firm TDR Capital and billionaire brothers that founded EG Group has run into problems with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the UK’s competition regulator, has launching an investigation into the £6.8bn acquisition.
The CMA is investigating whether the deal would lead to a “substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services” and has invited comments by 22 December.
The regulator launched the first phase of its investigation after the European Commission referred the deal. It echoes similar problems in the past when Asda’s proposed merger with Sainsbury’s fell through last year.
The CMA expects to issue its verdict in February 2021.
LOTTERY AGE TO RISE TO 18 IN 2021
THE MINIMUM AGE FOR BUYING NATIONAL LOTTERY PRODUCTS ISSET TO RISE TO 18 FROM OCTOBER 2021.
Following a consultation in 2019, the government has decided to increase the minimum age for buying National Lottery products from 16 to 18 as of October next year in response to concerns that the National Lottery’s growing portfolio of products, including online, could make it a gateway to gambling.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman welcomed the news. He said: “In our response to the government’s consultation, we urged consistency between scratchcards and online games so that retailers would have one clear policy on which to operate and train their colleagues on. We are pleased the government has listened and implemented a single age restriction of 18 for all National Lottery products.
“We are now fully committed to helping retailers to implement this policy over the next 10 months.”
BESTWAY TRIALS DRINKS-LED CONCEPT
Bestway Wholesale is trialling a new premium-led drinks concept, an evolved version of its Wine Rack store model. Called Tippl, it offers premium drinks for take home, foodto-go and in-store eating and drinking.
The first Tippl store opened in Garforth in Leeds with the concept intended to extend and enhance the Wine Rack model in high footfall areas. The stores will also make extensive use of strategic partnerships with specialist brands such as Tchibo and Country Choice.
SCOTMID RAISES £300K FOR STROKE SURVIVORS
Staff, customers and members of Scotmid Co-operative have raised a £300,000 to support stroke survivors to rebuild their lives, survive and thrive. A one year partnership, which was extended due to the Covid pandemic, raised funds for services provided by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke and England’s Different Strokes.
Thanks to Scotmid’s support, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland can provide six months of support for 1,000 stroke survivors in Scotland’s communities, giving them the vital help and support that they need when they need it most.
MFG ADDS SIX
Motor Fuel Group has acquired six forecourts in the Lake District from the family-owned AUK Investments business. The deals brings the total number of stations operated by MFG to 911, maintaining its position as the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator.
B&M CLOSURE
Discount retailer B&M will close its stores on New Year’s Day as a ‘thank you’ to staff for their hard work and commitment during an incredibly challenging year and to give staff a ‘well-deserved rest’. Retail union Usdaw has welcomed the news and, particularly in Scotland, is calling on all stores to close on 1 January.
REP WARNING
Following recent reports of someone impersonating a representative of Imperial Tobacco and asking to go behind the counter, the company has urged retailers to be vigilant and to ask for identification for any reps visiting their store that they do not recognise.
DINNER BOX
Morrisons is giving selfisolating customers everything they need for Christmas dinner for two, delivered to their door for £18.36. The Christmas Dinner for Two Box contains a British turkey breast joint, peeled potatoes, pigs in blankets, vegetables, stuffing, gravy and cranberry sauce. It also includes a starter and dessert, as well as mince pies, Christmas crackers and wine.
DONATE A PLATE
Waitrose and Deliveroo have launched a Christmas ‘Donate a Plate’ campaign to support charity FareShare. Waitrose customers can make a donation of £3 on the Deliveroo app and FareShare will then distribute food to community groups who will turn it into meals and deliver them.
BREWDOG CBD
BrewDog co-founder Martin Dickie has launched HBHM, the UK’s first carbon-neutral CBD company. HBHM (Healthy Body Healthy Mind) produces a range of sustainably packaged CBD oils, containing a concentrate of CBD Isolate derived from organically grown hemp plants.
