Sainsbury’s and Asda could be forced to sell off as many as 300 stores between them if their proposed merger goes ahead, it has emerged.
There are at least 300 catchment areas where the merger could potentially fall foul of local competition regulations, according to an analysis by The Times and industry bodies employing modelling techniques typically used by the Competition and Markets Authority.
Of the 300 locations around half are considered problem locations since both Tesco and Morrisons, the retailers considered most likely to buy a closed store, might not want to or be able to buy the outlet.
Both Asda and Sainsbury’s have repeatedly stated that no stores will close and that no jobs will be lost as a result of the tie-up.
