Grocer braces for new bidding war

NEW bidders for Asda are already thought to be circling after its merger with Sainsbury’s was scuppered.

The supermarket, which is owned by US giant Walmart, is reportedly being eyed by private equity firms including KKR.

Analysts have also suggested Amazon could be in the market for a British supermarket.

The internet group already owns Whole Foods and is opening a network of checkoutfree Amazon Go shops.

Walmart bought Asda for £6.7bn in 1999 but is looking to sell or reduce its stake.

Under the Sainsbury’s merger it would have retained 42pc of the enlarged grocer.

But that deal was abandoned yesterday after the Competition and Markets Authority said the supermarkets could not address concerns about possible price hikes.

It opens the door to rival bids for Asda. Earlier this year it emerged KKR was a potential suitor. KKR and Amazon declined to comment.