Co-operative / ML Convenience and MLCG merger inquiry
The CMA investigated the acquisition by Co-operative Foodstores Limited of 8 or more My Local grocery stores from ML Convenience Limited and MLCG Limited.
Statutory timetable
| Phase 1 date | Action |
|---|---|
| 23 January 2017 | Undertakings in lieu of reference accepted |
| 10 November 2016 | Decision published |
| 19 October 2016 | Decision announced |
| 23 August to 7 September 2016 | Invitation to comment |
| 23 August 2016 | Launch of merger inquiry |
| 1 July 2016 | Initial enforcement order |
Phase 1
Undertakings in lieu of reference accepted
23 January 2017: The CMA has accepted undertakings in lieu of reference for the completed acquisition by Co-operative Foodstores Limited of 8 My Local grocery stores from ML Convenience Limited and MLCG Limited. A copy of the undertakings and the decision are available below.
- (26.1.17)
- (23.1.17)
- News story: CMA accepts remedies in convenience store merger (23.1.17)
Extension of consideration of undertakings in lieu
23 December 2016: The CMA has extended the consideration of UILs until 27 February 2017.
- (23.12.16)
Undertakings in lieu of reference consultation: Now closed
17 November 2016: We are consulting on proposed undertakings in lieu of a reference for the completed acquisition by Co-operative Foodstores Limited of eight My Local grocery stores from ML Convenience Limited and MLCG Limited.
- (17.11.16)
- (17.11.16)
CMA to consider undertakings offered
1 November 2016: The CMA considers that there are reasonable grounds for believing that the undertakings offered by Co-operative Group Limited, or a modified version of them, might be accepted by the CMA under the Enterprise Act 2002. The text of the decision is available below.
- (2.11.16)
Reference unless undertakings accepted
19 October 2016: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns. The full text of the decision is available below.
- (10.11.16)
- Press release: Convenience store acquisition may give rise to competition concerns (19.10.16)
Invitation to comment: Now closed
23 August 2016: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if, so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
Launch of merger inquiry
23 August 2016: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.
- (23.8.16)
Initial enforcement order
On 1 July 2016 the CMA served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on Co-operative Group Limited and Co-operative Foodstores Limited in relation to its acquisition of 8 or more My Local grocery stores from ML Convenience Limited and MLCG Limited.
- (8.7.16)
Amendments/consents granted:
- (17.10.16)
- (15.9.16)
- (11.8.16)
- (25.7.16)
- (25.7.16)
- (19.7.16)
- (18.7.16)
- (8.7.16)
Contact
Last updated 26 January 2017 + show all updates
-
Undertakings in lieu acceptance decision published.
-
Undertakings in lieu of reference accepted.
-
Notice of extension published.
-
Undertaking in lieu of reference consultation launched.
-
Full text of the decision published.
-
Decision that undertakings might be accepted added.
-
CMA to consider undertakings announcement added.
-
Decision announced: reference unless undertakings accepted.
-
Derogation published.
-
Derogation published.
-
Launch of merger inquiry and invitation to comment issued.
-
Derogation published.
-
Derogations published.
-
Derogation published.
-
Derogation published.
-
First published.