Market Structures
3 articles tagged with this topic.
Examples of mergers that have been blocked by the CMA
This article provides examples of mergers blocked by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and the EU competition authorities, highlighting reasons such as reduced competition and potential harm to consumers. It specifically details the CMA's decision to block the Sainsbury's and Asda merger in 2019.
Supermarket Price Wars: Asda Cuts and Rival Responses
Asda has initiated significant price cuts on nearly 1,000 products, aiming to undercut rivals by 5-10% by late 2026. This has intensified a price war among major UK supermarkets such as Tesco, Morrisons, and Sainsbury's, who are also adjusting their pricing strategies. Despite rivals making numerous price cuts, overall prices continue to rise for some, and discounters like Aldi and Lidl still consistently offer lower prices on a wider range of items.
A small US grocer is calling out the lower prices at big chains
An independent grocer in Brooklyn says large US supermarket chains get preferential wholesale prices from manufacturers, allowing them to sell items at or near the price independents pay. The case has reignited debate over supplier price discrimination and the revived use of the Robinson-Patman Act, with recent lawsuits testing whether enforcing it would protect small retailers or harm consumers. Advocates call for stricter enforcement and pricing transparency, while critics suggest easing taxes and regulation for small firms or using existing antitrust rules instead.