Vodafone-Three’s UK Combination Faces Full-Blown Deal Review
- The CMA will open 24 week probe unless remedies offered
- Deal will create largest UK mobile operator by revenue
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Vodafone Group Plc’s push to combine its UK unit with CK Hutchison Holdings Ltd.’s Three faces an in-depth investigation, with the country’s antitrust watchdog saying it’s seen little evidence so far to support their claims that the £13 billion ($16.4 billion) deal would help consumers.
The Competition and Markets Authority said Friday it was concerned that the deal creating the country’s largest mobile operator would reduce the rivalry between competitors. It gave Vodafone the standard five-day period to come to an agreement with the agency.