The European Commission has launched an official 'Phase II' investigation into Liberty Media’s €4.2 billion purchase of MotoGP owner Dorna Sports, delaying the acquisition. In April, Formula 1 owner Liberty announced that it had agreed to purchase 86% majority ownership of Dorna. US-based company Liberty has been confident from the off that its purchase would pass EU scrutiny and expected to close the deal by the end of 2024.
However, concerns have been raised over the potential for a monopoly in the motorsport landscape if Liberty’s deal to buy Dorna was approved. Liberty currently owns F1, Formula 2 and Formula 3, while a sister company owns Formula E. Its acquisition of Dorna would see it take control of MotoGP and its support categories, as well as World Superbikes and its feeder series. Reports last week emerged that Liberty’s purchase of Dorna could be delayed due to an impending probe by the European Commission. And on Thursday 19 December - the deadline for MotoGP’s sale to be approved by the EU from its initial filing by Liberty on 14 November - the European Commission announced officially that an “in-depth” investigation is now under way. The Commission is looking into concerns that Liberty’s ownership of F1 and MotoGP could negatively impact broadcasters through an increase in costs of licensing. The second-phase investigation could take up to 90 working days to be completed, meaning MotoGP’s sale could be delayed to as late as 14 May 2025. The full European Commission statement reads:'The Commission's preliminary investigation indicates that the transaction may reduce competition between Liberty Media and Dorna Sports in the licensing of broadcasting rights for motorsports content. 'In particular, the transaction may remove important competitive constraints on Liberty Media and Dorna Sports, which may strengthen their position vis-à-vis broadcasters of motorsports content and could ultimately lead to higher price
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Source: Motorsport - 🏆 11. / 86 Read more »