Harman International / Bang & Olufsen merger inquiry

The CMA investigated the completed acquisition by Harman International Industries Inc. of the Bang & Olufsen A/S automotive audio assets.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 2 June 2015
• Last updated: 28 September 2015 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Electronics
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 2 June 2015
• Closed: 28 September 2015

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 date	Action
28 September 2015	Decision published
4 September 2015	Decision announced
14 July 2015	Launch of merger inquiry
7 July to 21 July 2015	Invitation to comment
1 June 2015	Initial enforcement order

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

4 September 2015: The CMA has cleared the acquisition by Harman International Industries Inc. of the Bang & Olufsen A/S automotive audio assets. The full text of the decision is available below.

• Full text decision (28.9.15)

Revocation of initial enforcement order

5 August 2015: In view of the evidence available to the CMA at this stage, the CMA revoked the initial enforcement order. A copy of the order is available below.

• Revocation order (7.8.15)

Launch of CMA merger inquiry

14 July 2015: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (14.7.15)

Invitation to comment: Now closed

7 July 2015: 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

1 June 2015: The CMA served an initial enforcement order under section 72(2) of the Enterprise Act 2002 on Harman International Industries, Inc., Harman International Industries Limited (UK) and Harman Becker Automotive Systems Manufacturing Kft in relation to the completed acquisition by Harman International Industries Inc. of the Bang & Olufsen A/S automotive assets.

• Initial enforcement order (2.6.15)

Amendments/consents granted:

• Derogation 22 July 2015 (28.7.15)
• Derogation 14 July 2015 (20.7.15)
• Derogation 23 June 2015 (29.6.15)
• Derogation 8 June 2015 (15.6.15)

Contact

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

Maria Duarte
Competition and Markets Authority
Victoria House
Southampton Row
London
WC1B 4AD

[email protected]

Published 2 June 2015
Last updated 28 September 2015 + show all updates

1. 28 September 2015

   Full text of the decision published.

2. 2 June 2015

   First published.