A PYMNTS Company

UK: Tobii AB/Smartbox deal investigated further

By  |  July 23, 2019

Tobii AB announced that the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced that it postponed its final conclusion in the investigation of the acquisition of Smartbox Assistive Technology by Tobii by up to eight weeks.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    CMA’s final conclusion was expected to be announced by July 25, but has now been extended with up to eight weeks meaning the reference period will be extended to September 19, 2019. Tobii continues to work closely with the CMA in the final stages of the investigation.

    We’d love to be your preferred source for news.

    Please add us to your preferred sources list so our news, data and interviews show up in your feed. Thanks!

    Add as Preferred Source

    On October 1, 2018, Tobii AB acquired Smartbox Assistive Technology, a UK based company operating in the field of assistive technology for communication. Smartbox employs some 70 people. Net sales in 2017 were £9.3 million (US$11.6 million).

    Upon the announcement of the acquisition, the CMA opened an investigation, expressing concerns that Tobii’s acquisition of Smartbox may lead to less choice, lack of innovation, and higher prices for people with speech and language disabilities in the UK. Tobii disagreed with these concerns and has since worked closely with the CMA during the investigation process. The two companies’ brands and operations have been held separate, pending completion of the review.

    Full Content: Market Screener, Gov UK

    Want more news? Subscribe to CPI’s free daily newsletter for more headlines and updates on antitrust developments around the world.