Hovis takeover bid investigated by competition watchdog

The deal will create a major player in the baking sector, to compete against Warburton’s and supermarket own-label products. - (Getty)

The UK’s competition watchdog has formally launched an investigation into Associated British Foods’ (ABF) proposed takeover of the historic Hovis brand.

This move comes after ABF struck a deal in August to acquire the 135-year-old bakery from its US private equity owner, Endless.