Brussels, 24/02/2003 (Agence Europe) - At this stage, the European Commission is unsure whether it will have to re-examine the merger of the digital television platforms Vía Digital, controlled by Téléfónica, and Sogecable, controlled by the Spanish media group Prisa and Canal+ (French group Vivendi), indicated Tilman Lueder, spokesperson for Commissioner Monti.
Last year, the Commission had entrusted the Spanish authorities with the responsibility of examining the merger as the operation would have mainly impacted on the Spanish national market (see EUROPE of 21 August, p. 3). However, it seems that, once the merger authorised, the methods for alignment had changed. In effect, Téléfónica could become the majority shareholder. The Commission was not informed of modification in relation to the initial operation. There was no notification, indicated Mr Lueder, adding that it is difficult, at this stage, to specify whether it was for the Commission or, once more, the Spanish authorities to investigate the operation.