<Tele2 announced the European Commission (EC) has announced its decision to initiate a Phase II investigation into the acquisition of Tele2 Netherlands by T-Mobile Netherlands. The group said the move is expected and in line with expectations that the deal will close during the second half of this year. The EC now has 90 working days to reach a final decision, to see if the transaction is compatible with EU merger rules: in principle, this implies a decision in the fourth quarter.
“We are opening this in-depth investigation to ensure, that the proposed transaction between T-Mobile NL and Tele2 NL will not lead to higher prices or less choice in mobile services for Dutch consumers,” Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said in a statement.
The move by the European Commission underscores once again its concerns on telecom deals where the number of players are reduced from four to three.
Full Content: Reuters
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