Competition Commission Sky/ITV issues statement
Competition Commission statement (8 pages, PDF) of issues to be considered in its review of BSkyB's ownership of a shareholding in ITV plc. The issues highlighted focus on the possibility that Sky may have a degree of control over ITV's strategy and operations.
The possible complaint that Sky's adopted an anti-competitive strategy by acquiring a stake that effectively blocks a third-party take-over of ITV plc is not highlighted, although it might be alluded to when the Commission refers to the possibility of (emphasis added):
Loss of potential competition in a 'premium pay-TV' or a pay-TV market — the acquisition might reduce the likelihood of ITV, or a third party jointly with ITV, entering the (premium) pay-TV market and challenging BSkyB.
For further information or advice please contact Franck Latrémolière.
Filed under Competition Commission, Media, Merger control.
