Bulgaria’s competition authority has given the all clear to the takeover of the pay-TV operator Bulsatcom by the Dutch-based United Group.In a statement, the Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC) said the proposal would not significantly impact competition on either the retail market for TV channel distribution and fixed internet access.United already owns the telecommunications operator Vivacom and Nova Broadcasting Group.“Following the acquisition, the new economic structure will not operate independently of its competitors, customers and suppliers, given the structure and dynamics of the relevant markets,” said the CPC.The investigation found that competition would remain post acquisition with players of similar size to Vivacom.Earlier this month, United Group accused the leader of one of Bulgaria’s coalition partners of interference the acquisition. Former Bulgarian prime minister Kiril Petkov had suggested any approval of the transaction by Bulgaria’s Commission on Protection of Competition (CPC) could harm competition in the sector.The deal was first announced in November and the combined company will account for around 60% of the country’s pay-TV market in subscriber number terms.United Group entered the Bulgarian market in 2020 with the acquisition of Vivacom. Since then, the group says it has taken a number of significant steps to strengthen its presence and drive innovation in the market.
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