UK: Regulator sends final report on Fox’s Sky bid to Gov

The UK’s competition agency has sent its final report on 21st Century Fox’s bid to acquire Sky to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, which must now decide whether the deal harms the public interest.

Information on the content and conclusions of the report wasn’t made public, but the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said in a brief update on its website, “The CMA has sent its final report to the Secretary of State.” That is a reference to UK culture secretary Matt Hancock, who now has until June 13 to make a final decision on the deal.

“Today I received the final report from the CMA regarding the findings of their phase 2 investigation,” the culture secretary said in parliament later on Tuesday, May 2. “I must come to my decision and publish the report within 30 working days (by 13 June). My decision will be on whether the merger operates or may be expected to operate against the public interest, taking into account the specified public interest considerations of media plurality and genuine commitment to broadcasting standards.”

He added, “I will come to a view on whether to make a final order or accept any final undertakings in due course and will consult on these publicly, but not before I have taken a decision on the public interest tests.”

Full Content: Hollywood Reporter

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