The owner of Kiss and Magic radio could be forced to sell dozens of local stations due to fears its expansion will hurt independent broadcasters.
German media firm Bauer may have to unwind four deals agreed in February and March after a provisional finding by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
One of the transactions, the takeover of UKRD Group, has given Bauer a 50%pc stake in First Radio Sales (FRS). This acts as a national advertising sales house for more than 100 independent local radio stations.
The CMA warned that Bauer is likely to close it down, take its customers, and significantly reduce competition. Regulators proposed a series of potential remedies to be considered before the sell.
Full Content: Gov UK
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