The Competition and Markets Authority has given its approval to Motor Fuel Group’s (MFG) takeover of rival forecourt operator MRH.
The watchdog’s decision means Motor Fuel Group is free to combine the two businesses and operate as one company under the MFG banner.
For the time being though, 52 MRH stations will be managed independently from the rest of the business to allay CMA concerns over a lack of competition in several geographic areas. This so-called ‘Hold Separate’ order will remain in place until 15 of these stations, along with 23 MFG sites, are sold to rival businesses.
MFG boss William Bannister said: “Now as one business, we have the opportunity to develop our winning forecourt formula and achieve our long-stated objective to be the UK’s most dynamic and profitable independent forecourt operator.”
