Britain's competition regulator proposed extending supermarket land agreement rules to German-owned discounters Aldi and Lidl, saying the move would help ensure shoppers have the widest possible choice of where to buy groceries. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) wants Aldi and Lidl covered by an order designed to stop supermarket groups using land agreements, such as restrictive covenants and exclusivity clauses, that can prevent rival grocers from opening nearby stores. The order currently applies to seven supermarket groups: industry leader Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, the Co‑op, Marks & Spencer and Waitrose, but not Aldi and Lidl. Before reaching a final decision, the CMA will seek further views on whether Aldi and Lidl should be designated as 'Large Grocery Retailers' under the order and therefore become subject to the land agreement rules. A spokesperson for Lidl said the group welcomed competition: "Any outcome will not impact our steadfast momentum and growth."