Sainsbury’s-Asda merger would create £500m savings

The merger of Sainsbury’s and Asda would create savings of “at least £500 million” and allow the retailer to lower prices by about ten per cent on many regularly bought items.

The proposed deal, unveiled on this morning (30th April), would see Asda parent Walmart taking a 42 per cent stake in the enlarged Sainsbury’s business as well a receiving £2.975 billion in cash.

The two companies said the merger would generate net EBITDA synergies, post investments in price, across the enlarged group of at least £500 million. These synergies are comprised largely of buying benefits, opening Argos in Asda stores and operational efficiencies. There are no planned Sainsbury’s or Asda store closures as a result of the combination.”

The combined group, which would have sales of some £51 billion, would be headed by Mike Coupe, currently chief executive of Sainsbury’s. Roger Burnley would continue as chief executive of Asda and join the group operating board of the combined business. Coupe and Burnley have worked for both Asda and Sainsbury’s in the course of their careers.

Key savings include:
* £350 million savings from better harmonised buying terms
* £75 million savings from property, including opportunities for Argos within Asda stores
* £75 million savings from operational cost efficiencies

It is expected that the realisation of the identified synergies will require one-off exceptional operating costs of approximately £150 million. There is also an estimated £600m of capital investment – primarily relating to IT system migration and property opportunities for Argos within Asda stores.

The companies have also identified potential for further synergies, which are unquantified at this time, including cross-selling products and services across the Combined Business, leveraging fixed assets and investment capabilities and benefits from the strategic partnership with Walmart.

The deal will have to be approved by the Competition and Markets Authority, which could demand sale of parts of one or both businesses.

The first phase of a CMA review, which assesses whether a deal reduces competition, normally takes about 40 days. If the CMA decides that an in-depth second phase investigation is required, that could take up to 24 weeks.

“We believe this combination will create a dynamic new retail player better positioned for even more success in a fast-changing and competitive UK market,” said Judith McKenna, president and chief executive officer of Walmart International.

Coupe said: “Having worked at Asda before Sainsbury’s, I understand the culture and the businesses well and believe they are the best possible fit. This creates a great deal for customers, colleagues, suppliers and shareholders and I am excited about the opportunities ahead and what we can achieve together.”

And Burnley said: “Asda will continue to be Asda, but by coming together with Sainsbury’s, supported by Walmart, we can further accelerate our existing strategy and make our offer even more compelling and competitive.”

* Setting out its results for full year 2017-18, Sainsbury’s said it had achieved cost savings of £185 million in logistics, procurement, store operations, energy efficiency, and marketing.

In total, over the past three year it achieved savings of £540 million against a target of £500m.

The retailer said: “We have well-developed plans in place to deliver at least £500 million of cost savings over the next three years with £200 million of these savings to be achieved in 2018/19.”

Sainsbury’s sales for 2017-18 were up nine per cent at £31.7m, while underlying pre-tax profit was up 1.4 per cent at £598m.