UK Watchdog Launches Probe into Associated British Foods' Purchase of Hovis

04:49 AM EST, 12/19/2025 (MT Newswires) -- The British antitrust regulator on Friday opened a merger inquiry into the planned acquisition of British integrated bakery business Hovis Group by UK-listed agri-food company Associated British Foods (ABF.L). The Competition and Markets Authority plans to issue a Phase 1 decision on Feb. 19, 2026. It previously invited interested parties to comment on the deal, seeking input on whether it would impact competition in the UK.