The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has referred the completed acquisition of Aston Barclay (ABVR Holdings Limited) by Constellation Developments Limited for a Phase 2 investigation, citing concerns that the deal could harm competition in the business-to-business (B2B) used vehicle auction market in Great Britain.
Constellation, through its British Car Auctions (BCA) subsidiary, is the largest provider of B2B used vehicle auction services in the UK, while Aston Barclay ranks third. Aston Barclay operates a network of car auction sites and an online sales platform, positioning it as one of BCA’s few national competitors. The CMA found that the two companies compete closely for similar customers across the country, offering large-scale auctions and nationwide coverage.
After completing its Phase 1 review, the authority concluded that the merger creates a realistic prospect of a substantial lessening of competition, strengthening BCA’s already dominant position and leaving only one major rival—Manheim—capable of competing at scale. Smaller players, such as Wilsons, City Auction Group, and G3, were found to exert limited pressure because of their smaller size and more local reach.
The CMA also noted that, absent the merger, Aston Barclay’s majority shareholder, Rutland Registrations Limited, could have sold parts of the business to smaller competitors, preserving or even enhancing competition. Instead, the transaction consolidates control under Constellation, potentially reducing choice and increasing costs for auction customers.
Constellation had until 6 October 2025 to offer remedies but declined to do so. The CMA has therefore referred the case for a Phase 2 inquiry, which will be led by an independent panel and must report by 29 March 2026.
The authority warned that reduced competition could lead to higher fees or fewer options for businesses using auction services—effects that may ultimately be felt by consumers in the used car market.
Further details are available on the CMA’s Constellation / ABVR case page.
