Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of joint control of Retriever Sverige by Bonnier and Schibsted

The European Commission opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of joint control by Bonnier of Sweden and Schibsted of Norway of Retriever Sverige of Sweden, which is currently solely controlled by Schibsted. Bonnier and Schibsted are leading media companies in Sweden. Retriever Sverige offers media monitoring, media archive and business information services in Sweden. The Commission's initial market investigation indicated that the proposed acquisition would raise serious doubts as to its compatibility with the Single Market because of competition concerns on the markets for media monitoring and media archive services in Sweden. A decision to open an in-depth inquiry does not prejudge the final result of the investigation. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 15 June 2009, to take a final decision on whether the concentration would significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area (EEA) or a substantial part of it.