Advanced Television

Competition and Markets Authority

CMA: Vodafone/Three merger anti-competitive

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found the proposed merger between telcos Vodafone and Three to be likely to reduce competition in the sector. In its initial investigation (called a ‘Phase 1 investigation’) which began in January 2024, the CMA found that the merger, which combines two of the four mobile network […]

September 13, 2024By Colin Mann

CMA objects to Google’s ad tech practices

An investigation by the  UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally found that Google is using anti-competitive practices in open-display ad tech, which it believes could be harming thousands of UK publishers and advertisers. As set out in a statement of objections issued to Google, the CMA has provisionally found that, when placing digital […]

September 6, 2024By Colin Mann

In-depth probe for Vodafone/Three merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has referred the anticipated joint venture between Vodafone Group Plc and CK Hutchison Holdings Limited concerning Vodafone Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this merger […]

April 4, 2024By Colin Mann

CMA has Vodafone/Three merger concerns

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has suggested that a proposed Vodafone/Three merger, which seeks to combine two of the four UK mobile network operators, could lead to higher prices for customers and affect investment in UK mobile networks. The CMA launched its initial Phase 1 investigation in January 2024 after it was notified […]

March 22, 2024By Colin Mann

Microsoft/Activision deal gets CMA OK

The new deal for Microsoft to buy Activision without cloud gaming rights has been cleared by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) after the regulator concluded it would preserve competitive prices and better services. In August 2023, Microsoft made a concession that would see Ubisoft, instead of Microsoft, buy Activision’s cloud gaming rights. This […]

October 13, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA consults on Vodafone/Three merger

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is providing an early opportunity for interested third parties to comment on the impact that the proposed merger between mobile telcos Vodafone and Three could have on competition in the UK, in advance of launching a formal investigation once it has received the information it needs from the […]

October 11, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA set to clear Microsoft, Activision deal

The sale of Activision’s cloud gaming rights to Ubisoft substantially addresses previous concerns and opens the door to Microsoft’s acquisition of the games maker being cleared, according to the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). While the CMA has identified limited residual concerns with the new deal, Microsoft has put forward remedies which the CMA […]

September 22, 2023By Colin Mann

CMA provisionally clears Broadcom/VMware deal

A UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel has provisionally found software solutions specialist  Broadcom’s $61 billion (€57bn) acquisition of enterprise software provider VMware would not weaken competition in the supply of critical computer server products. The announcement follows a similar ruling on July 13th from the European Commission. Following its initial Phase 1 investigation, […]

July 19, 2023By Colin Mann

US court boost for Microsoft/Activision deal

The chances of Microsoft taking over video games publisher Activision Blizzard have been boosted after a US judge rejected a request from US regulators to block the deal. The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) asked a judge to block Microsoft’s $69 billion (€63.9bn) takeover suggesting the deal could “substantially lessen competition” in the sector. Judge […]

July 12, 2023By Colin Mann

UK blocks Microsoft/Activision deal

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has prevented Microsoft’s proposed purchase of Activision over concerns the deal would alter the future of the fast-growing cloud gaming market, leading to reduced innovation and less choice for UK gamers over the years to come. The final decision to prevent the deal comes after Microsoft’s proposed solution […]

April 26, 2023By Colin Mann