The UK’s Federation of Wholesale Distributors (FWD) is to drop its appeal against the acquisition by UK retail giant Tesco of convenience store firm Adminstore due to high legal costs.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


The FWD launched an appeal with the Competition Appeal Tribunal after the Office of Fair Trading gave the go-ahead to the acquisition. However, now the FWD has said it is withdrawing its appeal after Tesco hired Freshfields law firm to defend the deal, reported The Times.


“We were in contest with the Office of Fair Trading, which cleared the Adminstore acquisition, but the intervention of Tesco has moved the goalposts,” said Alan Toft, director general of the FWD.


“We do not have the financial resources to compete with the combined might of the OFT and Tesco,” Toft was quoted by The Times as saying.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Food Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Food Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving food industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now