CMA

CMA launches probe of Virgin Media-O2 merger

UK competition regulator the CMA has referred the proposed merger of Liberty Global-owned Virgin Media and Virgin Mobile with Telefónica’s O2 for an in-depth Phase 2 probe following Virgin and O2’s request that the watchdog move quickly to this stage through a ‘fast-track’ process. The CMA’s move comes after it lobbied the EU to refer […]

EC passes Virgin Media-O2 merger back to UK regulator

The European Commission has acceded to a request by the UK competition regulator, the CMA, to review the planned merger between Liberty Global-owned Virgin Media and Telefónica’s O2. The CMA lodged its request soon after the EU started its investigation into the merger in October. The decision means that the CMA will now begin a […]

UK watchdog calls for action on Google and Facebook’s market power

UK competition watchdog the CMA has called on the British government to take on Google and Facebook’s market power in the online advertising market. According to the regulator, based on the results of a year-long market study, “existing laws are not suitable for effective regulation” and it is “recommending a new pro-competition regulatory regime to […]

Boost for Comcast’s Sky bid as Hancock ‘not minded’ to intervene

Comcast has received a boost in its bid for Sky as UK secretary of state for culture, media and sport Matt Hancock has said he is “not minded” to intervene. While the UK Enterprise Act grants Hancock the power to intervene in media mergers on public interest ground, he said that the evidence presented so […]

21st Century Fox promises independent board for Sky News

21st Century Fox has promised a fully-independent board for Sky News and insulation of the service from possible editorial interference from the Murdoch family in a bid to secure approval for its planned takeover of Sky. Fox’s proposal for a fully-independent board for the UK news channel goes a step beyond an earlier pledge to […]

Sky threatens to cut Sky News ties to ease Fox deal

Sky has threatened to review its ownership of Sky News if were to impede Fox’s planned £18.5 billion (€20.5 billion) takeover of the pay TV provider. In a statement made to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) last month, but published yesterday, Sky said that the CMA should not “simply assume” its continued provision of […]

CMA details scope of Fox-Sky investigation in issues statement

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published an issues statement outlining the scope of its investigation into 21st Century Fox’s planned ￡18.5 billion (€20.5 billion) takeover of Sky. The CMA, which will investigate the deal on the grounds of media plurality and broadcasting standards, set out the main issues it likely to consider in […]

CMA names investigation group for Fox-Sky deal

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has appointed the investigation group that will put together its report into 21st Century Fox’s planned £18.5 billion (€20.5 billion) takeover of Sky. Anne Lambert will chair the group. She was appointed panel chair and panel member non-executive director of the CMA in October 2016, having been an inquiry chair […]

Confirmed: Sky deal referred to regulator for six-month review

The UK government has confirmed that 21st Century Fox’s planned £18.5 billion (€20.5 billion) takeover of Sky will be referred to the Competition and Markets Authority. Culture secretary Karen Bradley announced her final decision today, after saying earlier this week that she was minded to refer the deal over concerns about both broadcasting standards and […]

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