In a joint statement in response to the CMA Phase Two Issues Statement on the proposed merger of Asda and Sainsbury's, a spokesperson said:
“We recognise that this is an important merger and welcome the detailed and thorough review by the CMA. We look forward to working constructively with the CMA and Inquiry panel during this second phase of the process and to making our case that the proposed merger is pro-competitive.
"Customers will be the big winners from the combination. By bringing our two businesses together, we will be able to invest further in more convenient ways of shopping while lowering prices and reducing the cost of living for millions of UK households.”