Antena 3, La Sexta ‘breaking merger rules’
May 27, 2015
From David Del Valle in Madrid
The Spanish competition watchdog, CNMC, has started legal proceedings against Atresmedia, owner of Antena 3, on the grounds that the company is failing to meet the legal obligations imposed on the merger between Antena 3 and La Sexta.
The CNMC has accused Atresmedia of breaking competition by making discounts in the advertising fees of the two packages of channels it operates in exchange for investing in the whole TV group. Besides, Atresmedia would be not fulfilling the merger conditions as for the acquisition of TV content.
The CNMC now has six months to probe the case and make a final decision. The watchdog had given the go-ahead to the acquisition by Atresmedia of La Sexta in 2012 on condition the group met some obligations to guarantee free competition in the FTA market.