Supermarket shake-up: why Asda or Morrisons could vanish within a decade

Morrison’s or Asda –or both – could disappear within a decade. Photograph: Christopher Thomond/The Guardian

They may be two of the most recognisable brands in Britain, with a combined 188 years serving shoppers, but industry watchers agree that either Asda or Morrisons – or both – could disappear within a decade.

This week, it emerged that Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – the UK’s second- and sixth-largest supermarket chains – had held merger talks between last November and February, before the larger player decided to walk away.