Monday 20 Jul 2015 @ 09:25
Competition & Markets Authority
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CMA publishes issues statement in BT/EE merger

The CMA has published an issues statement following its referral of BT’s anticipated acquisition of EE for a full investigation on 9 June 2015.

The inquiry group of Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) panel members must decide whether, if the acquisition is completed, a relevant merger situation will be created and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK for goods or services. The inquiry group must report by 23 November 2015.

BT Group plc (BT) and EE Limited (EE) are, respectively, the largest suppliers of fixed communications services and mobile communications services in the UK. BT also provides many fixed services to other communications providers, including backhaul services to mobile communications providers, such as EE, O2, Three and Vodafone. These services connect their radio masts to their core network. EE also provides wholesale mobile services to other mobile service providers.

The issues statement identifies clearly for all interested parties the key questions that the inquiry is examining. The issues statement does not imply that the inquiry group has yet identified any competition concerns. The full issues statement is available on the case page along with all other published information relating to the inquiry.

Anyone wishing to respond to the issues statement should do so in writing, by no later than 5pm on 31 July 2015. Please email BT.EE@cma.gsi.gov.ukor write to:

Project Manager 
BT/EE merger inquiry 
Competition and Markets Authority 
Victoria House 
Southampton Row 
London 
WC1B 4AD 

Channel website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority

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