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The regulator said it needed more time to assess all the evidence, given the inquiry’s ‘very wide scope’
The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has delayed its investigation deadline into the £15 billion Vodafone–Three merger that was announced last June. The new deadline is now 7 December this year, eight weeks later than expected.
The regulator said the “very wide scope of this inquiry and the technical and regulatory complexity of the sector” were key factors in the deadline extension.
“The Inquiry Group now considers that it will not be possible to complete the investigation and to publish its final report within the revised reference period. The Inquiry Group aims to complete the inquiry as soon as possible,” said the CMA in a statement.
“It is not unusual for the CMA to exercise its right to extend its reference period in cases such as this,” said Vodafone in response to the announcement.
“We appreciate the additional time it is taking to assess the extensive evidence submitted, which sets out how this transaction will significantly benefit over 50 million mobile customers, enhance competition and help transform the UK’s digital infrastructure. We will continue to work closely with the Inquiry Group as it finalises its report.”
In May, the UK government released a “Publication of Notice of Final Order” that provisionally approved the Vodafone–Three merger, subject to certain conditions. The following month, the CMA published ten responses to the merger, commenting on issues and possible remedies to the move.
Unsurprisingly, the UK incumbent BT released a 40-page report condemning the merger, saying its completion would be “to the detriment of UK customers.”
If the deal is given the green light, Vodafone has pledged to invest £11 billion over ten years to create one of Europe’s best 5G standalone networks, which every school and hospital will have access to by 2030.
Join the UK operators in conversation at this year’s Connected Britain, 11-12 September in London. Get tickets here!
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