/cloudfront-us-east-2.images.arcpublishing.com/reuters/VLKCNPWMN5N3VIANOS2YSF3N5Q.jpg "UK regulator raps Sainsbury’s and Asda for preventing rival store openings")
[1/2] Employees walk inside a Sainsbury’s supermarket in Richmond, West London, England, June 27, 2022. The photo was taken on June 27, 2022.Reuters/Henry Nichols/File Photo
LONDON (Reuters) – Britain’s competition watchdog on Tuesday reached an agreement with supermarket group Sainsbury’s (SBRY.L) to end the use of illegal land deals from Asda after it uncovered 32 anti-competitive deals announced that it had installed
The Competition and Market Authority (CMA) said the two grocers had violated laws introduced to stop supermarkets from imposing new regulations that would prevent competitors from opening nearby stores. .
Sainsbury’s broke the law 18 times between 2011 and 2019, while Asda broke the law 14 times between 2011 and 2019, according to the report.
“By enabling supermarkets to compete freely, the CMA ensures that shoppers have more choice and benefit from access to a wider range of food products and lower prices. is even more important as the cost of living rises,” the watchdog said.
The report said Sainsbury’s agreed to remove outstanding restrictions identified in its land contract to comply with the law, while restrictions identified in its deal with Asda were removed. .
Measures were also agreed to prevent further violations.
Reported by James Davey.Editing: Kate Holton
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