The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a Phase 1 investigation into SES in relation to its proposed acquisition of Intelsat.

The CMA believes that the proposed acquisition of Intelsat Holdings by Luxembourg-based SES could potentially lead to a substantial lessening of competition in one or more UK markets.

The CMA is examining whether combining the two companies may negatively impact competition in the supply of these services within the UK. Luxembourg-based SES announced on April 30th 2024 that it would acquire 100 per cent of its competitor, Intelsat, for €2.8 billion, although the transaction remains subject to approval by relevant market surveillance authorities.

“The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services,” said the official CMA announcement.

The CMA will begin its review process immeditaely. Comments from interested parties are invited from now until April 20th 2025 to support the CMA’s assessment. A decision on whether to proceed to a more in-depth Phase 2 investigation is expected by June 12th 2025.

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Categories: Articles, Business, M&A, Policy, Regulation, Satellite

Tags: CMA, Intelsat, SES