The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has formally approved Topps Tiles' £9 million acquisition of CTD Tiles, following a detailed inquiry into potential competition concerns. The deal, originally completed in August 2024 after CTD entered administration, included 30 retail sites.
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In October 2024, the CMA launched an investigation, citing possible negative impacts on market competition in four geographic areas: Dorking, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh. The watchdog warned that the merger might result in "worse deals and service" for consumers in these locations.
In response, Topps proposed remedies in February 2025, offering to sell stores – operated by either CTD or Topps – in the affected areas. The offer included store inventory, local customer and supplier lists, as well as store-level management and staff, aiming to preserve competition in those regions.
The CMA confirmed on 3 March that the proposed solutions had "reasonable grounds" to address its concerns. After evaluating the undertakings and receiving multiple expressions of interest from prospective buyers, the CMA concluded that the proposals were "clear-cut and appropriate" to resolve the competition issues.
The approval means the CMA will not proceed to a more in-depth phase two investigation.
Separately, CTD Tiles announced plans in February to relocate its warehouses from Birmingham to a new, advanced facility in Milton Keynes, as part of its post-acquisition restructuring.
The acquisition strengthens Topps Tiles' position in the UK retail tiling market, while meeting regulatory requirements to maintain fair competition in key regional markets.
Source: www.kbbreview.com