The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has said that it is going to review the purchase of Somerfield by the Co-operative Group (Co-op).

A decision will be made by the OFT whether or not the move is going to restrict competition on the retailing marketplace.

Those who wish to make comments on the acquisition have been urged to contact the watchdog by 11 August, after which time it will consider the matter.

Chief executive at the Co-op Peter Marks stated that he hopes the issue will be resolved sooner rather than later.

"We do recognise that the OFT will identify some competition issues in some local areas, it will take a few months. Obviously, we want it completed as soon as possible but we do recognise that the OFT has a job to do," he said.

The deal was announced earlier this month when the Co-op claimed that the £1.75bn purchase would improve its standing in the retailing sector.

Source: Talking Retail