The proposed acquisition of logistics firm Clipper is under investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).

The CMA issued initial enforcement order on GXO Logistics Inc’s planned £942.6m takeover of Clipper Logistics PLC, which prevents the two companies from fully integrating while under investigation.

Detailed in the notice, the CMA said it had ‘reasonable grounds for suspecting that the deal would result in the companies ceasing to be distinct’.

The CMA added that the ‘order does not prohibit the completion of the transaction provided that the Acquirer Group and Clipper observe restrictions’ set out.

The acquisition was first announced in February this year after an agreement had been reached between the two parties.

Clipper Logistics provides services to a number of customers, including furnishings business Amara, John Lewis, Liberty, M&S and Westwing.