The competition team at Bristol-based national law firm Burges Salmon has advised the Co-operative Group on securing merger clearance for its proposed acquisition of convenience food store chain Nisa.
The Co-op’s unopposed £137.5m bid for the 4,000-plus chain of stores was approved by Nisa members last November but was called in for examination by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). 
The CMA investigated whether the acquisition would lead to a “substantial lessening” of competition within the markets. It has since concluded that the Co-op, as a groceries retailer, and Nisa, as a groceries wholesaler, “do not compete head-to-head”.
transaction, which is being effected by way of scheme of arrangement, is expected to complete in May following court sanction.
Co-op director of legal & general counsel retail Jim Tully said: “We’re delighted with the CMA decision and the work the Burges Salmon team has done to secure Phase I competition clearance for us.
“The transaction is an important milestone in our strategy to get closer to communities, and our new business will create a strong product offer and improved prices for Nisa members that will engage their shoppers across the UK.”
The Burges Salmon competition team was led by Laura Claydon and Chris Worrall, with assistance from Noel Beale and Becky Ellis.
