Three depots must be sold across region, says CMA
The Competition and Markets Authority has found that the purchase of Andrew Page by Euro Car Parts could lead to higher prices or a lower quality of service in nine areas – including three in Yorkshire.
Euro Car Parts must now sell a depot in each of these areas to a purchaser approved by the Competition and Markets Authority. Depots in the Yorkshire region to be sold are Scunthorpe, Wakefield and York.
Euro Car Parts bought most of the Andrew Page business in October 2016, after the company went into administration. Both companies own a network of depots across the UK from which they sell car parts to independent garages and workshops and to larger national or multi-regional customers, including repair centre chains, vehicle fleets and roadside assistance companies.
A group of independent CMA panel members identified nine areas in England where the two companies were close competitors and where the merger could significantly reduce competition for local customers.
The group did not consider that larger national or multi-regional customers would be adversely affected by the merger.
Professor Alasdair Smith, Inquiry Chair, said: “Following an in-depth investigation, we have found that this in 9 local areas. That’s why we are requiring a depot in each area to be sold to a buyer approved by the CMA.
“Outside of these areas, we did not find that the merger will further reduce competition compared to what would have happened if Euro Car Parts had not purchased Andrew Page.”
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