27 Jun 2008


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No appeal from ACS against competition inquiry findings

Independent

Competition Commission

James Lowman, chief executive of the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has confirmed that the independent retailers' trade body will not be appealing against the findings of the Competition Commission's inquiry into the UK groceries market.

The deadline for appeals is on Monday, with Tesco reported to be seriously considering an appeal.

Lowman said the ACS would now concentrate on trying to influence the “remedies” identified at the end of the commission’s inquiry.

“If implemented in the right way, [they] can make a positive difference to the market in which we trade,” Lowman said.

Lowman said: “We are proud of what we have achieved, thinking back to November 2004, when we began this campaign in earnest with our application to the OFT for a full market review.

“Since then, we have seen no major acquisitions of convenience stores by the multiples.

“We have seen a movement grow, all around the country, promoting the benefits of local shops and arguing against the dominance of the major multiples.

“And we have seen our sector truly realise its importance to the community and focus on maximising this as its point of difference.”

Lowman said the ACS would also focus on ensuring that the role of the new grocery ombudsman – who will oversee supermarket-supplier relationships – was not watered down.

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