Portugal’s National Communications Authority (Anacom) said it sees several risks to competition from Meo's proposed takeover of broadcaster Media Capital and suggested it should take not take place under the conditions proposed. This was stated in its opinion on the deal delivered to the Competition Authority (AdC).
Potential risks identified by the regulator include the merged company withholding access from competitors to its TV and radio content or advertising space or discriminating against rival channels and platforms for distribution by Meo or the DTT service operated by Meo. They could also gain an unfair competitive advantage through access to sensitive commercial information from rivals, particularly in the advertising market.
Anacom said the competition risks would likely have a negative impact for consumers. It noted that the merger partners did not identify any particular benefits to the deal in their application for regulatory clearance. It will be up to the AdC to take a final decision on the proposed merger.
