Bonnier/Readly merger 2023

Following an initial phase I merger review, the Swedish competition authority conditionally cleared media group Bonnier’s acquisition of Readly, a company offering a so-called all you can read platform which gives users digital access to magazines and newspapers from a range of publishers. Among other remedies, Bonnier undertook to continue providing publishers with the readership data that they currently receive from Readly.

Orange Belgium/VOO and Brutélé merger (pending case)

Update: Orange Belgium offered commitments to the European Commission to try to obtain clearance for its acquisition of Belgian cable operators VOO and Brutélé. Following several extensions and a suspension of the deadline, the Commission’s final decision is due by 11 April 2023.

RTL Group/Talpa Network merger (pending case)

Update: After a year-long investigation, the Dutch competition authority plans to prohibit the proposed merger of RTL Nederland and Talpa Network, the two largest commercial broadcasters in the Netherlands. The authority found that the merger would create a dominant position in TV advertising and the supply of TV channels, leading to price increases.

Explainer: EU Foreign Subsidies Regulation

Complementing the existing state aid rules that only apply to EU countries, the Foreign Subsidies Regulation allows the European Commission to investigate foreign financial contributions to companies operating in the EU and redress, if needed, their distortive effects on competition. The Commission is consulting until 6 March 2023 on a draft implementing regulation on practical and procedural aspects.

Explainer: EU digital policy goals behind broadband state aid

When assessing the compatibility of broadband subsidies with EU state aid rules, the European Commission recognises that they contribute to the achievement of the EU’s evolving digital policy objectives.

Affordable broadband connectivity in rural areas of Spain 2022

Detailed summary available: Following the publication of the European Commission’s full state aid decision on the €88.3m Spanish scheme to facilitate affordable access to performant fixed broadband services in rural and underserved areas, the State Aid & Subsidies Database now includes a detailed summary of the case.