CMA - Competition and Markets Authority to investigate Evolution Gaming and NetEnt Merger

The U.K. Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday it has launched a merger investigation into the planned £1.6bn acquisition of NetEnt AB by Evolution Gaming Group AB. Evolution Gaming AB, a Swedish company that provides technology behind online casinos, launched a takeover offer for NetEnt AB in June in a deal valuing the games developer at 19.6 billion Swedish kronor (£1.6bn). The purpose of the CMA's investigation is to consider whether the deal could result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services. The watchdog will begin its inquiry into the merger to ensure it meets the requirements of section 96(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 and whether the merger would result in a “substantial lessening of competition within any market” The regulator said comments on the deal from any interested party can be filed by Oct. 5, 2020 with the first phase inquiry deadline set for Nov. 19, 2020. 22 September 2020: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services. To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party. These comments should be provided by 5 October 2020. Contact Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to: Rob Fitzgerald-Crisp - Rob.Fitzgerald-Crisp@cma.gov.uk