The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has told Barratt and Redrow that they must propose a solution to the competitive issues that their merger may cause
House builders Barratt and Redrow have been told that they must address concerns from the CMA before they may proceed with their merging process.
The concerns relate to competition around Whitchurch, Shropshire. The area sees both Barratt and Redrow housing developments. The CMA is concerned that customers will not benefit from the loss of competition and therefore may suffer from higher home costs or lower quality homes.
Barratt and Redrow want to merge into the biggest UK housebuilding company
Barratt is currently the UK’s largest housebuilding company. Merging with Redrow would make them even bigger, and turn their annual turnover into an annual £7bn.
Both Barratt and Redrow have said they will co-operate to present a solution to the CMA.
Joel Bamford, executive director for mergers at the CMA, said: “Prospective homebuyers must not be disadvantaged as a result of deals like this one – with the potential loss of competition leading to even higher house prices or lower quality homes.
“Our initial investigation found concerns specifically in one area in and around Whitchurch, the companies now have the opportunity to agree workable solutions which address our concerns rather than move to a more in-depth investigation.”
Barratt and Redrow commented on the situation:
Group chief executive of Barratt, David Thomas, said: “We are pleased that the CMA has found there would be no harm to competition in all but one of the areas in which Barratt and Redrow overlap.
“We remain confident that the combination of Barratt and Redrow will be approved and that it is in the best interests of our customers and wider stakeholders. Together we plan to build on our shared strengths and create an exceptional homebuilder, in terms of quality, service, and sustainability, helping to deliver the homes the country needs.”
Group chief executive of Redrow, Matthew Pratt, said, “Once the CMA process has completed, we are looking forward to our future as one team, accelerating the delivery of high-quality homes that the country so urgently needs.”
The companies now have until 15 August 2024 to propose a solution.
