The Competition and Markets Authority said it was concerned by the 'very large number of breaches' by the supermarket chain after rules were breached in 107 locations

Co-op admits unlawful land deals blocking rival supermarkets - The Competition and Markets Authority said it was concerned by the ‘very large number of breaches’ by the supermarket chain.

The Co-op has admitted breaching rules to prevent rival supermarkets from opening nearby more than 100 times. The UK's competition watchdog found Co-op had breached an order which limits supermarkets' ability to prevent nearby land being used by rival retailers across England,

The Co-op has admitted to 107 breaches of competition rules by unlawfully blocking rival supermarkets from opening near its stores. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found the convenience store chain had violated an order limiting supermarkets' ability to prevent nearby land being used by competitors.