Commonwealth logo and the ACCC logo

ACCC transition website

The ACCC's new website (www.accc.gov.au) features all our consumer, business and corporate information in a new user friendly format.

You are currently viewing the ACCC transition website (transition.accc.gov.au) which contains content not yet moved to our new site.

If you are having trouble finding what you are looking for, try using Search, which will search across all ACCC sites. If you are unable to access a document or other information on this site, submit a Web feedback form.

ACCC Transition HOME
spacer
Welcome to the ACCC transition website > The ACCC > Public registers > Mergers register > Recently completed > News Corporation - proposed acquisition of Consolidated Media Holdings Limited

News Corporation - proposed acquisition of Consolidated Media Holdings Limited


Type of assessment Informal Review
Reference 48737
Acquirer(s)
News Corporation
Target(s)
Consolidated Media Holdings Limited
Industry Media
Summary
News Corporation intends to acquire 100% of the shares in Consolidated Media Holdings Limited. This acquisition represents an increase by News of its shareholding in FOX SPORTS Australia from 50% to 100% and an increase of its shareholding in FOXTEL from 25% to 50%.
Outcome of assessment Not opposed
Total review days * 30
Commenced public review 20th June 2012
Date completed 31st July 2012
Market definition
The ACCC assessed the proposed acquisition in the context of:

- the national market for the supply of subscription television services, and
- the national market for the acquisition of audiovisual content.

However, the ACCC did not consider that it was necessary for the purpose of the competition analysis to form a concluded view in relation to market definition, particularly with respect to the acquisition of audiovisual content.
Competition analysis
The ACCC considered that the proposed acquisition would not materially increase the incentive that News has to favour FOXTEL in its content supply decisions in Australia, with respect to content owned by FOX SPORTS Australia or by News Corporation itself. The ACCC considered that News Corporation had a pre-existing incentive to supply content to FOXTEL, arising from its 25% shareholding and considered that this incentive would not be significantly increased by the proposed acquisition. The ACCC also noted that News Corporation did not have direct interests in any other subscription or free to air television entity in Australia.
Related media releases
Review timeline
Date Event
20th June 2012 ACCC commenced review under the Merger Review Process Guidelines.
11th July 2012 Closing date for submissions from interested parties.
2nd August 2012 ACCC announced it would not oppose the proposed acquisition.

* Total Review days = Total business days less public holidays and time during which the review was suspended.

Printer friendly version

About public registers
Notify me...
  • Email me if this page is updated

Privacy | Disclaimer & copyright | Accessibility | Website feedback

© Commonwealth of Australia 2013