UK's CMA begins probe into Slug and Lettuce pub owner's takeover of Ei

(Reuters) - The UK's competition watchdog said on Friday it started an investigation into whether the potential merger of pub owner Stonegate and larger rival Ei Group, which would create Britain's biggest pub operator, would erode competition. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said it has begun its phase 1 investigation following the European Commission's decision to refer the case to the UK.The move comes as the country's hospitality sector has been rocked by the closure of a number..