25 Apr 2019 --- The UK competition watchdog has stopped the proposed Sainsbury’s-Asda merger in its tracks after finding the tie-up would lead to increased prices in stores across Britain and online. In its final report, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that UK shoppers would be worse off if Sainsbury’s and Asda – two of the country’s largest supermarkets – were to merge and so have blocked the proposal. In addition to price rises, the regulator is concerned about reductions in the quality and range of products available, or it leading to a poorer overall shopping experience.