UK: CMA clears VTech/LeapFrog merger

The companies are 2 of the leading suppliers of learning toys, child tablets and content in the UK. An in-depth investigation by a group of independent Competition and Markets Authority panel members has confirmed that the merger may not be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition.

The group found that while the companies are close competitors in the supply of learning toys for 0 to 5 year olds, there are numerous other credible suppliers in the sector, and VTech and LeapFrog were not each other’s closest competitor. The group also found that the market for child tablets and content is evolving rapidly, with new entrants and an increasing number of alternatives available for child-appropriate content on electronic devices.

Philip Marsden, Inquiry Chair, said:

“We looked carefully at competition in the evolving and innovative toy industry, and in particular at learning toys and child tablets. Having consulted on our provisional findings, we are still satisfied that even after the merger there will be a sufficient variety of learning toys for 0 to 5 year olds available, and an increasing choice available for people who want to buy electronic devices and content suitable for children.”

Full Content: Gov UK

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