Germany's Cartel Office Green Lights Sky's Takeover Of Production Company Plazamedia

Germany's Federal Cartel Office "has given the green light for Sky's takeover of sports-production company Plazamedia and its involvement in sports network Sport1," according to Uwe Mantel of DWDL. Sky announced in December that it will take over Plazamedia, whose biggest client has already been the pay-TV operator. In addition, Sky revealed that it wants to acquire a 25.1% stake in sport marketing company Constantin Sport Marketing and Sport1. Federal Cartel Office President Andreas Mundt said, "In the end, we didn't have any concerns about the merger. Sky indeed has a superior market position in the pay-TV area. However, the proposed purchase doesn't increase this market position to an extend that it would be relevant for competition" (DWDL, 2/12).