Off-licence merger `to avoid MMC'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.WHITBREAD AND Allied Domecq are understood to have received confidential guidance that the proposed merger of their Threshers and Victoria Wine off-licence chains will not fall foul of the competition authorities. The size of the deal means it is certain to be examined by the Office of Fair Trading, but industry experts said the guidance had been that a referral to the Monopolies and Mergers Commission was unlikely.
The two companies confirmed yesterday that they are in talks about a possible 50-50 joint venture that would have 3,000 branches and annual sales of pounds 1.3bn. The venture's share of the total take-home drinks market would be around 13 per cent. However, it would have nearly one- third of the high street off-licence market.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments