Said sale was fixed and became aggressive (8)

I believe the answer is:

assailed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'became aggressive' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'said sale was fixed' is the wordplay.
'said sale' anagrams to 'ASSAILED'.
Though, I am not clear how this is indicated.

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for assailed that I've seen before include "Attacked, lashed out" , "became aggressive" , "Went for" , "Set upon" , "charged" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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