Woolworths Takeover

Woolworths’ expected takeover of book wholesaler Bertram for £29 million was provisionally given the all-clear yesterday by the competition watchdog. There had been fears that the deal between the two could leave just two main suppliers – the newly merged Woolworths business and rival Gardner, each with a market share of more than 40 per cent. The commission will however make its final decision by September 17.