UK Competition Commission report on Sky published

UK Secretary of State for Business and Enterprise, John Hutton, has today published the Competition Commission’s final report into British Sky Broadcasting Group’s acquisition of a 17.9% stake in ITV plc.

The report follows a detailed investigation by the Competition Commission into the effects of the transaction on competition and whether the transaction raises public interest issues relating to the plurality of persons with control of media enterprises.

Hutton has until 29 January 2008 to consider the report and announce final decisions. If any interested party wishes to make further representations to the Secretary of State on this matter, these should be submitted by January 7.

Mr Hutton is required to accept the Competition Commission’s findings on the competition issues but has discretion in making decisions on the effects on media plurality and also on any appropriate remedial measures.