United Kingdom: Issued CMA provisional view on investigation into the merger between Vodafone and Three UK (CK Hutchinson)
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Issued CMA provisional view on investigation into the merger between Vodafone and Three UK (CK Hutchinson)
On 13 September 2024, the UK's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) issued a provisional view on Vodafone's planned merger with Three UK (which is owned by CK Hutchison Holdings Limited), stating that it could lead to higher prices or reduced services for tens of millions of mobile customers. The CMA's investigation found that the merger could harm competition, particularly affecting those least able to afford increased costs and wholesale customers like Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). Although the merger could improve mobile network quality and accelerate 5G deployment, the CMA noted concerns about whether Vodafone and Three would follow through on these investments. The CMA is consulting on potential solutions, such as binding commitments, before making a final decision by 7 December 2024. If concerns aren't addressed, the merger will be blocked.
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