The UK government’s decision on the battle for UK supermarket chain Safeway could be announced as early as next week.

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The Department of Trade and Industry, which is examining the report from the Competition Commission on the potential takeover bids, is believed to be keen to make an announcement ahead of the Labour Party conference which begins on 28 September, reported the Financial Times.


People close to some of the potential bidders for Safeway say they have been told to be ready for next week, probably Thursday or Friday, the paper said.


Supermarket companies Wm Morrison, Tesco, J Sainsbury and Wal-Mart’s Asda have all expressed interest in buying some or all of Safeway, as has retail entrepreneur Philip Green. All suitors except Philip Green were referred to the Competition Commission.

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