Press Release: Mergers: Commission launches in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Télé2 France by SFR

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition by SFR France of Télé2 France’s fixed telephone and internet access activities. It will examine in detail the potential anti-competitive effects of this operation on pay-TV markets in France and ensure that the interests of consumers would not be adversely affected. It now has 90 working days (until 2 August 2007) to decide whether the takeover would significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a significant part of it. A decision to open an in-depth investigation does not prejudge the final result of the procedure.