• Swindon & Wiltshire M&A, deals
• Monday June 23 2025

Competition watchdog clears Wincanton takeover

The Competition and Markets Authority has cleared the £762 million takeover of Chippenham-based logistics group Wincanton by global operator GXO.

The two firms had agreed the merger back in January – but the CMA announced an investigation over concerns it could lead to higher prices for UK business customers.

On Friday the CMA said it had now cleared the deal subject to the sale of a small number of Wincanton grocery contracts to a CMA-approved buyer.

It added that integration would be permitted for the vast majority of Wincanton’s operations once certain administrative conditions were met.

Richard Feasey, chair of the independent inquiry group, said: “Warehousing services play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless movement of goods across the UK, allowing our supermarkets to maintain well-stocked shelves with thousands of items we buy every day.

“Healthy competition in this market is key to managing costs for supermarkets and grocers and improving their performance – ultimately ensuring consumers pay the best possible prices for products in stores.

“We are pleased to approve this deal, having worked with GXO and Wincanton to secure the necessary changes to the deal which resolve our concerns.”

Malcolm Wilson, chief executive officer of GXO, said, “We are pleased to have the UK regulatory review concluded and are excited to bring the two businesses together.

“The combination of GXO and Wincanton will enhance GXO’s offering for customers across the UK and Ireland and bring presence in strategic verticals that will serve as a springboard for growth.

“We are well positioned to move forward swiftly and look forward to welcoming the Wincanton team to GXO.”