BSkyB/ITV inquiry

BSkyB/ITV inquiry

London, 24 May/GNN/ --

COMPETITION COMMISSION News Release (29/07) issued by The Government News
Network on 24 May 2007
Competition Commission invites evidence

The Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, Alistair Darling, has referred
British Sky Broadcasting's (BSkyB's) acquisition of a 17.9 per cent share
in ITV plc to the Competition Commission (CC) for a full investigation.

The CC has been asked to decide whether a relevant merger situation has been
created and whether the creation of that situation is likely to lead to a
substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets within the
UK. In addition it must also decide whether, taking account of the specified
public interest consideration (the need for 'plurality of persons with control
of media enterprises'), the merger will operate against the public interest
(see Notes for Editors).

The CC must report to the Secretary of State by 7 November 2007 who must
then decide on the basis of the report what action should be taken.
The CC will appoint members to its inquiry group and will then publish a
draft timetable for the inquiry. The first task for the group will be to
gather evidence by contacting all involved parties and by advertising for
submissions from any other interested groups or individuals.

The Secretary of State's reference follows submissions from both the Office
of Fair Trading (OFT) and Ofcom, which raised concerns about the acquisition
on competition and public interest grounds respectively.

The CC would like to hear from all interested parties, in writing, by 14
June 2007. To submit evidence, please email or write to:
Inquiry Secretary (BSkyB/ITV inquiry)
Competition Commission
Victoria House
Southampton Row
LONDON
WC1B 4AD
Email: BSkyB-ITV@cc.gsi.gov.uk

Source: Competition Commission

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