Press Release: Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of O2 by Telefónica, subject to conditions

The European Commission on 10 January 2005 cleared under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of UK telecommunications company O2 by the Spanish telecommunications company Telefónica. The European Commission had been concerned that the acquisition would result in distortions of competition in the market for international roaming services, in particular in the UK. In order to remove the Commission’s concerns, Telefónica had undertaken to leave the FreeMove alliance. In light of this commitment, the Commission concluded that the transaction would not significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA) or any part of it.