BSkyB buy-in to Leeds not a sporting merger

United Kingdom

The OFT has concluded that BskyB's acquisition of 9.08% shares in Leeds cannot be considered a merger and cannot, therefore, be referred to the Competition Commission for a merger investigation. The decision follows an agreement by the parties to revoke the ability of BskyB to appoint a director to the Leed's board. The DGFT held that the agreement did not amount to BskyB acquiring “material influence” over Leeds.

(OFT Press Release 08/00)