Competition bosses have ordered Somerfield to sell 12 of the 115 stores in acquired from Morrisons.
Christopher Clarke, chairman of the Competition Commission’s inquiry, said in a statement: “Following responses to our provisional findings, we have now concluded that Somerfield’s acquisition of 12 stores is expected to lead to a significant reduction in competition in their local markets.”
The inquiry had originally looked at 14 of the retailer’s newly acquired stores, but said that new evidence provided by Somerfield meant the two stores in Bedlington and Paisley had not reduced competition.
The stores the retailer must sell are: Filey, Middlesbrough Linthorpe, Newark, Pocklington, Poole Bearwood, South Shields and Whitburn.
The CC added that Somerfield can choose to sell either its new store or existing store in Johnstone, Peebles and Yam. However in Kelso and Littlehampton, where the existing stores have been closed, the authorities said it must now sell the closed stores.
Somerfield said the issue would be considered at its board meeting next week.
