Safeway report is in, but bidders will have to wait

The battle for Safeway inched forward this week with the delivery of the 840-page Competition Commission report on proposed takeovers.

The study landed on Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt's desk on Tuesday, but anxious potential bidders will probably have to wait 30 days for a decision - 10 days longer than usual - because the situation is so complicated.

Just before the report was due to be handed in, Asda was understood to have mounted a last-ditch attempt to promote its case. In return for being allowed to bid, it is thought that Asda will sell half the Safeway stores to Morrison if it wins.

- Feature: page 16.