Poland’s Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has moved into the second stage of its investigation into the proposed takeover of Multimedia Polska by Vectra.
In a statement, it says that the transaction risks restricting competition, given that the two cable operators – Multimedia Polska and Vectra are the country’s third and second largest respectively – compete in the provision of pay-TV services in 39 cities and broadband internet in 45 cities.
“The information provided by the entrepreneurs shows that the transaction may lead to a restriction of competition in several cities. Therefore, a second phase of the proceedings is necessary, in which UOKiK must verify these data”.
The UOKiK adds that the start of the second stage of its investigation does not determine the type of decision it will reach in the future. Its president may consent, conditionally or unconditionally, to the proposed transaction, or prohibits its implementation.
As previously reported by Broadband TV News, UPC Polska pulled out of its proposed acquisition of Multimedia Polska after concluding it could not satisfy the UOKiK’s conditions.
Vectra’s bid to take over Multimedia Polska was made public in August.
