STORY
The Competition and Markets Authority has proposed bringing Aldi and Lidl within rules designed to stop major supermarkets using restrictive land agreements that can prevent rival grocers opening nearby. The regulator said the change would help maintain consumer choice as the two discounters have grown their UK store networks.
The rules currently apply to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, the Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. The CMA said its provisional view was that Aldi and Lidl should now be included because of the scale and geographic reach of their networks, the range of groceries they sell and their procurement model. Aldi is the UK’s fourth-largest grocer and Lidl is fifth.
The CMA has opened a consultation running until 7 September and expects to make a final decision in the autumn. Aldi and Lidl both said the proposal would not affect their UK growth plans, with each continuing to plan further store expansion.