Vodafone / Phones4U merger inquiry

The CMA assessed the completed acquisition by Vodafone Limited of 140 stores formerly controlled by Phones4U Limited.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 9 December 2014
• Last updated: 24 March 2015 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Telecommunications
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 25 September 2014
• Closed: 24 March 2015

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 date	Action
24 March 2015	Decision published
4 February 2015	Decision announced
8 December 2014	Launch of merger inquiry
8 December to 22 December 2014	Invitation to comment
25 September 2014	Initial enforcement order

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

4 February 2015: The CMA has cleared the completed acquisition by Vodafone Limited of 140 stores formerly controlled by Phones4U Limited. The full text of the decision is available below.

• Full text decision (24.3.15)

Launch of merger inquiry

8 December 2014: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (8.12.14)

Invitation to comment: Now closed

8 December 2014: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted 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 has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.

Initial enforcement order

25 September 2014: An Initial enforcement order under Section 72 of the Enterprise Act 2002 was served on Vodafone Group plc and Vodafone Limited. A copy of the order can be found below:

• Initial enforcement order (25.09.14)

Amendments/consents granted:

• Derogation 5 December 2014 (10.12.14)
• Derogation 23 December 2014 (23.12.14)

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to:

Raul Nieto
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
37 Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD

[email protected]

Published 9 December 2014
Last updated 24 March 2015 + show all updates

1. 24 March 2015

   Full text of the decision published.

2. 4 February 2015

   Clearance decision announced.

3. 23 December 2014

   Derogation added.

4. 9 December 2014

   First published.