Radio merger issues statement
21 Nov 2012
The Competition Commission (CC) has published an issues statement as part of its investigation into the completed acquisition by Global Radio Holdings Limited (Global Radio) of Real and Smooth Limited (formerly GMG Radio Holdings Limited) (GMG Radio).
The Office of Fair Trading (OFT) referred the case to the CC last month, and the CC has been asked to decide whether the acquisition may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market or markets for goods or services in the UK.
Pre-merger, Global Radio operated the Heart, Capital, LBC, Classic FM, Gold and Xfm radio brands across the UK, while GMG Radio operated several stations under the Real or Smooth brands.
The issues statement identifies clearly for all interested parties the key questions which 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 inquiry home page along with all other information relating to the investigation.
The CC is expected to publish its final report by 27 March 2013.
Any interested party is invited to respond to the issues statement, in writing, by no later than 10 December 2012. To submit evidence, please email Global-GMG@cc.gsi.gov.uk or write to:
Inquiry Manager
Global Radio/GMG merger
Competition Commission
Victoria House
Southampton Row
LONDON
WC1B 4AD
Notes for editors
1. The CC is an independent public body, which carries out investigations into mergers, markets and the regulated industries.
2. The Enterprise Act 2002 empowers the OFT to refer to the CC completed or proposed mergers for investigation and report which create or enhance a 25 per cent share of supply in the UK (or a substantial part thereof) or where the UK turnover associated with the enterprise being acquired is over £70 million.
3. The CC has a 24-week period in which it is required to publish its report, which may be extended by no more than eight weeks if it considers that there are special reasons why the report cannot be published within that period.
4. Further information on this inquiry, including the terms of reference and other key documents, as well as on the CC and its procedures, including its policy on the provision of information and the disclosure of evidence, can be obtained from the CC website at: www.competition-commission.org.uk.
5. Enquiries should be directed to Rory Taylor or Siobhan Allen or by ringing 020 7271 0242.
