Asda/Sainsbury’s: Each-way bet

If you’re a food retailer the size of Wal-Mart, chances to double your market share in a major country don’t come along very often. So it makes sense that Asda, the US group’s British outpost, is reportedly considering joining in the bidding for rival J Sainsbury. For Asda to launch an offer for its £11bn rival would be pretty cheeky - and may not get past competition regulators. But if private equity fires the first shot, Wal-Mart should probably enter the fray. Wal-Mart’s aspirations to be a ...