The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has initiated a public consultation regarding the anticipated acquisition of Ramsdens Holdings PLC by FirstCash Holdings Inc. As of 20 August 2026, the CMA is inviting interested parties to submit their initial views on the potential impact of the transaction on competition within the UK.
This 'invitation to comment' marks the first step in the CMA's information-gathering process. The authority has confirmed it has received the necessary information from both companies to commence pre-notification procedures. However, a formal Phase 1 investigation into the merger has not yet been launched.