CTD deal by Topps Tiles sparks competition warning from CMA

The UK’s competition authority has ruled that the acquisition of former Newcastle firm CTD Tiles could lead to competition issues in four areas of the country.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a warning that Topps Tiles’ acquisition of 30 stores from CTD Tiles could see businesses and shoppers in three parts of Scotland, plus Dorking in Surrey, facing worse deals or service due to the reduction in competition.

Topps bought the stores for about £9m in August last year after CTD, which was the second largest specialist tile retailer in the UK behind Topps, fell into administration. That saw 56 shops and more than 250 job losses but the Topps deal saved part of the company.