Morrisons’ takeover of McColl’s ‘will not harm majority’ of rival firms

Morrisons’ takeover of McColl’s poses competition concerns in 35 local areas where the two brands compete, the CMA says. Photograph: Bloomberg/Getty Images

Morrisons’ takeover of convenience store chain McColl’s creates competition concerns in only a small number of local areas, according to the UK competition watchdog, paving the way for clearance of the £190m rescue deal.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), which said its initial investigation had found concerns in 35 local areas where the two brands competed, said the overall the deal “would not harm the vast majority of shoppers or other businesses”.