The competition watchdog has launched a review of Adjudicator Christine Tacon’s responsibilities on the back of the £750m deal between M&S and Ocado.
The Competition & Markets Authority is reviewing Ocado Group plc’s designation under GSCOP, after a structural shake-up on the back of the deal saw responsibility for Ocado’s grocery retail activities pass to Ocado Retail Ltd.
Ocado Group requested the review, arguing that from 5 August 2019 it had no involvement in the grocery retail side of the businesses.
Under the partnership, M&S became a 50-50 shareholder of the separate Ocado Retail Group, an arm’s length body that has since been designated under GSCOP.
In a letter to the CMA, Ocado Group said: ‘As a result Ocado Retail will operate its online grocery business autonomously and independently from the Ocado Group, making its own decisions relating to the range of grocery products it sells and the portfolio of suppliers from whom it purchases.’
Ocado was added to the list of retailers policed by Tacon in November, along with B&M Stores.
The CMA said: “This review is specifically in relation to a request from Ocado Group plc to be de-designated from the order following a structural change in which Ocado Retail Ltd, which is now designated, has taken on responsibility for Ocado’s grocery retail activities.”
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