Vodafone’s merger with Three has encountered another delay, as the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has determined that it will need to extend its investigation deadline to December 7.
The adjustment could extend the investigation by an additional eight weeks, further prolonging the already extended process.
When the CMA launched its investigation in April, it initially set a deadline of September 18. This was later pushed to October 12 and has now been extended to December 7. The regulator attributed the earlier delays to missing documents and information from Three-owner, CK Hutchison.
Related: CMA Concludes Initial Probe into Vodafone-Three Merger
In a statement, the CMA, said, “The inquiry group now considers that it will not be possible to complete the investigation and to publish its final report within the revised reference period. The inquiry group aims to complete the inquiry as soon as possible.”
The CMA outlined four distinct reasons for requesting an extension. One key factor was the significant spectrum-sharing deal announced last month between Vodafone and Virgin Media O2. The CMA noted that this agreement necessitates a thorough evaluation by the inquiry group, including the collection and analysis of additional evidence from third parties.
Previous Coverage: Conditional Security Clearance Granted for Vodafone and Three UK Merger
In June of the previous year, Vodafone and Three announced a merger of their UK operations, forming a GBP 15 billion giant that would become the largest mobile network operator in the country, serving approximately 27 million customers. The new entity will be co-owned, with Vodafone holding a 51% stake and CK Hutchison, the parent company of Three, retaining a 49% share.
The proposal cleared its first regulatory review in May when the UK government chose not to intervene after a thorough national security assessment. However, the deal may still encounter challenges from competition regulators, echoing the 2016 European Commission decision that blocked a previous merger attempt between Three and O2.
Also Read: BT Slams Proposed Vodafone-Three UK Merger
