0921 GMT - News that the U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority raised antitrust concerns on a proposed merger between the U.K. businesses of Vodafone Group and CK Hutchison Holdings' Three shouldn't come as a major surprise, AJ Bell investment director Russ Mould says in a market comment. Competition authorities blocked Three's attempt to merge with O2 in 2016, so the chances of it and Vodafone being able to clear regulatory hurdles this time around aren't that great, Mould says. The CMA could force the companies to give up some assets or spectrum, and losing spectrum in particular could be enough to derail the deal, according to Mould. "If the trade-offs become too large then Vodafone and Three walking away from a tie-up can't be ruled out," he says. Vodafone's shares rise 0.3%. (adria.calatayud@wsj.com)
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
September 13, 2024 05:22 ET (09:22 GMT)
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