UK Watchdog Agrees to Fast-track Probe into Associated British Foods-Hovis Deal

03:14 AM EST, 01/08/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Britain's antitrust regulator will launch an in-depth phase 2 investigation into the planned acquisition of British bakery business Hovis Group by food giant Associated British Foods (ABF.L). The Competition and Markets Authority said Thursday the decision to make a fast-track reference to a phase 2 probe was made upon the companies' request.