The Croatian Competition Agency (AZTN) has announced that the merger of the incumbent Hrvatski Telekom (T-HT) and alternative telco Optima Telekom (OT) cannot be permitted.
In a statement, it says that if it were to go ahead, T-HT’s market share would be increased to between 60-70%, and in some markets above 80%.
The AZTN also points to the fact that in preparing the plan for its financial and operational restructuring, which included its effective take-over by T-HT, OT should have taken into account the Law on Protection of Competition and the necessary concentration approvals from various agencies.
In its submission, it was evident that it did not allow for sufficient time to obtain these approvals. Earlier this week, T-HT signaled its intention to enter into a strategic partnership with OT.