UK Competition probe moves nearer for BSkyB
Published April 27th, 2007
The prospect of a costly UK Competition Commission probe into BSkyB’s (BSY.L: ) moved a step closer on Friday after two regulators said it raised significant concerns that warranted further scrutiny.
Media regulator Ofcom and the Office of Fair Trading published their findings in statements to the London Stock Exchange.
“We have concluded that this partial ownership link between two key players raises significant competition concerns,” said OFT Chief Executive John Fingleton.
“Sky’s shareholding means that ITV is no longer fully independent, and this may alter the future competitive landscape, especially as we approach digital switchover,” he added.
Ofcom and the OFT have now sent their views to Trade and Industry Minister Alistair Darling who will announce by May 26 whether he wants the issue sent to the Competition Commission.
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