Associated British Foods and Hovis’ have asked the UK’s competition watchdog to accelerate the review process of their proposed merger. Confirmed by the Competition and Markets Authority today (8 January), a spokesperson for the CMA said: “We have accepted ABF and Hovis’ request to fast-track our investigation into their merger to an in-depth Phase 2 inquiry, allowing the CMA to move at pace to an examination of the evidence by an independent inquiry group of experts.” ABF agreed to acquire the Hovis br ...