Vodafone–Three merger under scrutiny from Competition and Markets Authority
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched phase 1 of its investigation into Newbury-based Vodafone UK’s joint venture agreement with Three UK.
It’s looking into whether the deal may lead to a ‘substantial lessening of competition’ – and if so, whether a more in-depth phase 2 investigation is required.
The agreement would see both companies combine their telecommunications operations under a single network provider.
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Having received pre-notification evidence and information from both Vodafone and Three, as well as early views from stakeholders, the CMA is now ready to begin its investigation.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said: “This deal would bring together two of the major players in the UK telecommunications market, which is critical to millions of everyday customers, businesses and the wider economy.
“The CMA will assess how this tie-up between rival networks could impact competition before deciding next steps.
“We now have 40 working days to complete this formal phase 1 investigation before publishing our findings and any next steps.”
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