Competition and Mkts - Merger Update: ABF/Hovis

Associated British Foods

21/05/2026 07:00

RNS Number : 1384F

Competition and Markets Authority

21 May 2026

 

CMA publishes supplementary interim report in bread merger investigation

The CMA has published a supplementary interim report in its investigation of the anticipated acquisition by Associated British Foods plc (through ABF Grain Products Limited) of Hovis Group Limited.

In the supplementary interim report, the Inquiry Group has provisionally concluded that the merger may not be expected to result in an SLC in relation to the supply of bread and certain other bakery products in Northern Ireland.

The CMA will now seek feedback on the supplementary interim report before making a final decision by 24 June 2026. The deadline for comments is Thursday 28 May 2026.

For more information, visit the ABF / Hovis merger inquiry - GOV.UK case page.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

RNS may use your IP address to confirm compliance with the terms and conditions, to analyse how you engage with the information contained in this communication, and to share such analysis on an anonymised basis with others as part of our commercial services. For further information about how RNS and the London Stock Exchange use the personal data you provide us, please see our Privacy Policy.

 
  END

 

 
MERFLFFFEAIIFIR