Press Release: Mergers: Commission opens in-depth investigation into proposed acquisition of Mach by Syniverse

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed acquisition of Mach of Luxembourg by Syniverse of the US. The parties are data clearing houses (DCHs) that settle the usage records of subscribers that roam on mobile operators' networks. Mobile operators use these services to determine the wholesale payments they make to each other for the roaming of these subscribers. These payments are ultimately incorporated in consumers' phone bills.

The Commission's initial investigation indicated that the merger may raise competition concerns on various roaming technology markets. The Commission now has 90 working days, until 15 May 2013, to take a final decision on whether the proposed merger would significantly impede effective competition in the European Economic Area (EEA).