The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said on Friday it has opened an investigation into the £7 billion cash purchase of Bradford-based supermarket giant Morrisons by US private equity group Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R).

The CMA said: “We’ve issued an Initial Enforcement Order (IEO) for the completed acquisition of WM Morrison Supermarkets Plc by Clayton, Dubilier and Rice Holdings, LLC.

“The IEO is used to make sure the companies remain independent after completion while our work is ongoing.”

The CMA said that Morrisons should continue to be run as an independent business for the time being with its own brand and management.

Morrisons did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

CD&R said it looks forward to “working constructively with the CMA to address any questions they may have”.