Competition watchdog to investigate Vodafone and Three merger

The planned £15 billion mega-merger of UK mobile networks Vodafone and Three is to face an in-depth investigation by the competition watchdog amid concerns over the impact of the deal. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed it will launch a so-called Phase 2 probe after both firms told the regulator they would not be offering measures to ease its concerns ahead of the deadline.

The CMA said last month that the tie-up could have a “substantial” impact on competition, warning it may lead to higher prices and reduced quality.Vodafone and Three first announced the mammoth merger last summer in a move that would create the UK’s largest mobile phone network. Under the deal, FTSE 100-listed Vodafone and Three owner CK Hutchison will combine their UK operations, forming a business with about 27 million customers and more than 11,500 staff. The merged firm will be majority owned by Vodafone with 51% of the combined business and CK Hutchison owning the remainde

Business Business Latest News, Business Business Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Phone bills could rise by over £30 if Vodafone-Three merger passes, experts warnThe Competition and Markets Authority has also said it is 'concerned' by the prospect of the merger
Source: i newspaper - 🏆 8. / 89 Read more »

Vodafone and Three merger could lead to higher prices, warns watchdogThe proposed £15bn deal, announced last year, would bring 27 million customers together under a single provider.
Source: SkyNews - 🏆 35. / 67 Read more »