Asda has been fingered by its rivals for using its immense global power to attempt to muscle in at the front of the queue in the Safeway takeover deal, according to today's national press.
The delay in presenting the Competition Commission's report to trade and industry secretary Patricia Hewitt was used as additional power lobbying time by the Wal-Mart subsidiary, with the strength of Asda's long-term relationship with the government coming to the forefront.
The last minute lobbying has hauled Asda up to joint favourite with Morrison's to be given permission to bid for Safeway, although at this point the smart money remains on Morrison's.
Ms Hewitt will announce her decision in the next 30 days, but no real climax to the bid battle is likely before December. Bids, from parties that are cleared, must be made within 21 days of the minister's statement, and then a 60-day takeover timetable will give the office of fair trading time to approve those parties facing calls for concessions before making a formal bid.
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