M/21/008 – DMG Media / New Scientist
Transaction details
The proposed acquisition by DMG Media Limited of sole control of New Scientist Group Limited has been cleared by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission.
CCPC Statement 09 March 2021: DMG Media Limited acquisition of New Scientist Group Limited
The Commission has been informed by the parties that the transfer of ownership in relation to proposed transaction occurred in the United Kingdom on the 3 March 2021. The parties have confirmed that “notwithstanding the transfer of ownership, the status quo will remain as regards the minimal Irish activities of the Target, as is the requirement of the standstill obligation under section 19(1) of the Competition Act 2002 (as amended)”.
The Commission has informed the parties that pursuant to section 19(1) of the Competition Act 2002, as amended (“the Act”), any proposed merger or acquisition shall not be put into effect until the Commission has made a determination in relation to the merger or acquisition. If a proposed merger or acquisition is put into effect in contravention of section 19(1) of the Act, such proposed merger or acquisition is void pursuant to section 19(2) of the Act.
| Notification date | Decision date |
|---|---|
| Monday March 1, 2021 | Monday, April 12, 2021 |
| Parties Involved | Business activities |
|---|---|
| DMG Media Limited | DMG Media Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daily Mail and General Trust Plc (“DMGT”). DMGT operates a number of businesses in the State which involve the publication of localised Irish newspapers (the Irish Daily Mail and the Irish Mail on Sunday), as well as a number of websites. |
| New Scientist Group Limited | New Scientist Group Limited is an UK-incorporated company which owns and operates the New Scientist, a weekly magazine, (and associated digital content including a website, www.newscientist.com, and podcasts) focusing on science and technology content. |
| Economic sector | Media merger |
|---|---|
| Media | Yes |
| Submissions from third parties due by: | |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 |
| Thursday, March 18, 2021 | |
| Current status: Completed |
|---|
| Cleared (Phase 1) |
| Authorised Officer Assigned | Contact Details |
|---|---|
| Tommy Burke | tommyburke@ccpc.ie 01 402 5503 |
Media enquiries: communications@ccpc.ie
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