Aldi and Lidl to be investigated as part of Sainsbury’s-Asda merger

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will widen their investigation into the planned Sainsbury-Asda merger to assess the growth in market share of both Aldi and Lidl.

Aldi grew its share from 6.8 per cent to 7.6 per cent, with sales rising 15.1 per cent, while Lidl’s share increased to 5.6 per cent from 5.2 per cent, on 10 per cent sales growth. Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Asda all lost a portion of market share as a result.

Stuart McIntosh, chairman of the CMA’s inquiry group, said: “Millions of people shop at Asda and Sainsbury’s every week, so it is essential we carry out a thorough investigation into their proposed merger.

“Our job is to find out whether the merger will result in people paying more, or being faced with less choice or a poorer quality shopping experience.”