The CPC opens an in-depth investigation into the concentration “United Group Bulgaria” EOOD / “Viva Corporate Bulgaria” EOOD

By Decision No. 1356/21.12.2023, the Commission for the Protection of Competition (CPC, the Commission) has opened an in-depth investigation in relation to the intention of “United Group Bulgaria” EOOD to acquire direct sole control over “Viva Corporate Bulgaria” EOOD and indirect sole control over “Bulsatcom” EOOD and its subsidiaries.

Based on the information and evidence collected during the preliminary investigation under case No. KZK/1090/2023, the Commission established that the concentration leads to horizontal overlap on the markets for the retail provision of TV programs and for the retail provision of fixed internet access. Given the fact that the acquiring group via “Nova Broadcasting Group” EOOD wholesales rights for distribution of TV programs, which is an upstream market to the market for the retail provision of TV programs, the operation leads also to vertical effects.

The Commission considers that it is necessary to conduct an in-depth investigation, that will allow to draw its final conclusions regarding the effect of the concentration on the competition in the relevant markets concerned.

The full text of the decision is available in the public electronic register of the CPC at: https://reg.cpc.bg.