A planned £2.5bn merger between British housebuilders Barratt Developments and Redrow Plc looks set to go ahead despite concerns from the competition regulator. It comes after Barratt announced on Monday it planned to push ahead and start the process of taking over its rival this week, even though the two firms will officially remain separate until the watchdog gives its final approval.
The housebuilder said it expected the CMA to impose an enforcement order on both firms in response, which would prevent Barratt and Redrow from integrating their two businesses until the regulator was satisfied its concerns had been addressed. Read more from business:Ted Baker shops shut for good amidLabour call for talks ahead of fresh train strikesEuro 2024 helps boost retail sales The companies expect to have fully merged within 18 months of the acquisition.