Sainsbury's Ends Merger Talks With Rival Morrisons

Sainsbury's, the second-largest grocer in Britain, ended multibillion-pound merger negotiations with rival Morrisons. The two companies held talks between November 2025 and February 2026 before the discussions were terminated.

Morrisons is currently owned by the U.S. private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice, which purchased the retailer for £7 billion in 2021. While spokespeople for both grocers declined to comment on the reports, sources indicate that while the talks are no longer active, future negotiations remain possible. Clayton, Dubilier & Rice is reportedly still open to a potential tie-up with a competitor.

This failed attempt follows a previous effort by Sainsbury's in 2019 to acquire Asda for £7.3 billion. That deal was blocked by Britain's competition regulator.