Sainsbury’s and Morrisons ‘held talks this year’ on multibillion-pound merger

What it is about

Who published it, and when

How it spread - 7 original reports, 2 reprints

1. Mon, 5 October 2026

   3 reports
   • cityam.com13:25first to report
     Sainsbury’s and Morrisons held talks over blockbuster merger

     Sainsbury’s walked away from talks over a merger with smaller rival Morrisons earlier this year, it has emerged.

   • lbc.co.uk14:54
     Sainsbury’s and Morrisons ‘held talks over a possible merger’

     The pair are not believed to be in active talks over any tie-up, but it reignites speculation over consolidation in the sector.

   • The Guardian World15:24
     Sainsbury’s and Morrisons ‘held talks this year’ on multibillion-pound merger

     Deal would have created a supermarket with a market share of 23.6%, still well behind Tesco’s 27.8% Sainsbury’s held merger talks with rival Morrisons this year to discuss a multibillion-pound deal that would have been the biggest shake-up for UK supermarkets in decades, according to reports. The two companies held exploratory negotiations, according to the Financial Times and Sky. It is believed they are no longer in live discussions. Continue reading...

2. Thu, 8 October 2026

   1 report
   • The Guardian World10:26
     Supermarket shake-up: why Asda or Morrisons could vanish within a decade

     Talks between Sainsbury’s and Morrisons have set industry tongues wagging, with analysts saying the market is ripe for change Tesco lifts profit forecast and says shoppers are resilient Business live – latest updates They may be two of the most recognisable brands in Britain, with a combined 188 years serving shoppers, but industry watchers agree that either Asda or Morrisons – or both – could disappear within a decade. This week, it emerged that Sainsbury’s and Morrisons – the UK’s second- and...

3. Fri, 16 October 2026

   1 report
   • aol.co.uk15:18
     Sainsbury’s strategy in focus after reports over Morrisons talks

     Sainsbury’s dealmaking activity will be in focus next week as it updates shareholders on recent trading. The supermarket giant is likely to face questions from analysts and journalists about reports that it considered a merger deal with rival Morrisons , while it also agreed the sale of its Argos arm. The UK’s second-largest supermarket group will shed light on its latest performance and strategy in a half-year update on Thursday October 22. Sainsbury’s has reported resilient trading in recent...

     1 reprint

     • lbc.co.uk16 Oct, 15:24their copy
4. Thu, 22 October 2026

   2 reports
   • aol.co.uk08:49
     Do not repeat tax increases at Budget, Sainsbury’s boss urges Chancellor

     The boss of Sainsbury’s has said it is important “we don’t see a repeat” of previous Labour budgets after positive talks with ministers. Simon Roberts , chief executive of the UK’s second largest supermarket chain, has said he believes the current Government is “listening” after taking part in talks at No 11 Downing Street last week. Mr Roberts urged the Chancellor to avoid further significant increases to business taxes and labour costs at the autumn Budget next Wednesday. “I think this...

     1 reprint

     • dissexpress.co.uk22 Oct, 07:44their copy
   • The Guardian World10:33
     Sainsbury’s expects challenging run-up to Christmas as households feel squeeze

     Supermarket urges government not to ‘further aggravate’ pressure on costs for businesses in next week’s budget Sainsbury’s has warned of a “pretty challenging” market in the run-up to Christmas as households are “finding it tough” and food producers face rising costs. Simon Roberts, the chief executive of the UK’s second biggest supermarket, called on the government not to “further aggravate” pressure on costs for business in this month’s budget. He said it was “important this government does...