The Competition and Markets Authority is investigating the acquisition of McColl’s by Morrisons Supermarket.
The regulator announced the investigation on Monday, saying it was due to concerns that the deal could affect competition.
An initial execution order was issued which means both parties must continue to compete as they did before, while the investigation is ongoing.
A CMA spokesman said: “We are aware of the circumstances surrounding Morrisons buying McColl convenience stores.
“Now that the companies have told us they intend to submit the agreement for our review, we will conduct our investigation as soon as possible.
“Imposing an interim execution order is a common practice where an agreement has already been reached, but we have worked closely with Morrisons to ensure that it can provide the support McColl’s needs to continue operating during our investigation.”
Earlier this month, Sky’s City editor Mark Kleinman reported that Morrisons had been named a buyer for McColl’s, one of Britain’s largest convenience store chains, following a recent bid. blow to buy your bank lenders union.
Morrisons’ commitments to McColl’s future include withholding 1,100 stores and 16,000 employees, as well as meeting all of its outstanding pension obligations, Kleinman reported.
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McColl’s, which operated more than 1,200 corner stores and newsstands, entered the administration in early May, plagued by supply chain problems and rising inflation.
It is unclear when the CMA’s decision will be announced.