Following the announcement by the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that it has now commenced a formal investigation into Sainsbury's proposed £7.3 billion takeover of Asda, a leading property consultant has suggested that Aldi and Lidl may end up being among the beneficiaries of some of the knock-on effects of the deal.
As Richard Curry of commercial property consultancy Rapleys explained, the CMA process will likely necessitate the disposal of some stores, and the discounters could be well placed to pounce on this opportunity.
“Food retailers, across the board, have been trying for some time to right-size their portfolios and cut down on surplus space," Curry said.
