FIRST CUT: ComCom declines Sky TV/Vodafone merger over competition fears

Wed, 22 Feb 2017

Feb. 23 (BusinessDesk) - The Commerce Commission has rejected an application by Sky Network Television and Vodafone New Zealand to merge their businesses over fears it would stifle competition, with a key factor being its ownership of premium sports content. The commission wasn't satisfied the deal would not be likely to substantially lessen competition in any market in New Zealand. Since issuing a letter of unresolved issues last October highlighting its concerns, subsequent submissions hadn't allayed those fears and the commission has "no...

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