Press Release: Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Jazztel by Orange, subject to conditions

On 19 May 2015, the European Commission approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Jazztel plc, a telecommunications company registered in the UK but mainly active in Spain, by rival Orange SA of France. The approval is conditional upon the full implementation by Orange of a number of commitments that will ensure effective competition on the fixed internet access services markets after the takeover.

The Commission had concerns that the takeover, as initially notified, could have led to higher prices of fixed internet access services for Spanish consumers. To address these concerns, Orange submitted commitments to ensure that a new competitor can enter the retail markets involving fixed internet access services. The commitments removed the Commission's initial concerns.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: RAPID: MEMO/15/4998, 19.05.15: Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of Jazztel by Orange, subject to conditions – further details http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-15-4998_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Mergers: Commission continues its investigation of the Orange / Jazztel merger without referral to Spain http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-mergers-commission-continues-its-investigation-of-the-orange-jazztel-merger-without-referral-to-spain/

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