MRH has offered to sell two sites after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) warned there were potential problems following its acquisition of 78 Esso petrol stations. In November the CMA warned the number one Top 50 Indie MRH that it could face a full scale inquiry because of concerns about competition in local areas of Brighton and Cambridge where MRH acquired Esso sites and the next nearest filling station was also owned by MRH.
The CMA said it was concerned that the merger could lead to higher petrol and diesel prices for drivers in these areas. However, it added that MRH could avoid the deal being referred for an in-depth phase two investigation if it could offer an acceptable solution to address the CMA’s concerns. MRH has proposed to sell either the MRH Girton or the Esso City site in Cambridge, and the Esso Patcham site in Brighton.
The CMA has until 9 February 2016 to accept these undertakings.
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