Ireland’s Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has cleared, subject to binding commitments, the proposed acquisition of certain business assets of the Midland Tribune by Formpress Publishing. Formpress is owned by Mediaforce Holdings Limited.
Following notification on May 9, 2019, the CCPC undertook an extended Phase 1 investigation to establish whether the proposed transaction would result in a substantial lessening of competition for goods or services in the State. This involved working with the parties along with extensive engagement with a number of third parties, including customers and competitors.
To address these potential competition concerns, both Mediaforce Ireland and Formpress submitted proposals to the CCPC. Mediaforce Ireland committed to directing the advertising business received from advertisers and advertising agencies to newspaper titles on a strictly fair, reasonable, and non-discriminatory basis and to apply equivalent conditions in equivalent circumstances to all Formpress newspaper titles and non-Formpress newspaper titles.
Following detailed consideration and further analysis, the CCPC concluded that these commitments were sufficient and effective in addressing the competition concerns identified. The commitments form part of the CCPC’s determination to clear the proposed transaction, which makes them legally binding on the parties.
Full Content: CCPC
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