Following an initial phase 1 investigation, the CMA found specific competition concerns in Dorking, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen, where it believes the deal could lead to worse deals and service for customers.
The UK anti-trust regulator has warned that Topps Tiles’ acquisition of 30 stores from rival CTD Tiles could lead to competition issues in four areas of the country.
Joel Bamford, executive director for mergers at the CMA, said: “Having looked at the evidence, we’re concerned Topps Tiles’ purchase of CTD Tiles may reduce competition in Dorking, Edinburgh, Inverness and Aberdeen.
It raised concerns that businesses and shoppers in those areas could face worse deals or service due to the reduction in competition.
Topps bought all the stores for about £9 million in August last year after CTD, which was the second largest specialist tile retailer in the UK behind Topps, fell into administration.
