The Competition Appeal Tribunal has granted Sainsbury’s and Asda an extension to argue the case for their merger. 

The supermarkets announced the tie-up in April and claimed it would improve price, range and service for customers. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) had initially declined the request.

A spokesperson from the CMA said: “If we gave the companies the extra time they are now asking for, it would put our ability to complete the investigation by the required deadline at very serious risk.”

Sainsbury’s had initially asked for an additional 11 working days over Christmas. It is up to the CMA and Sainsbury’s to decide on the length of the extension.

Read more: Asda-Sainsbury’s merger could be harmful for grocery market