Kaplan / Osborne Books merger inquiry

The CMA investigated the anticipated acquisition by Kaplan Int. Holdings Limited of Osborne Books Limited.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 9 February 2016
• Last updated: 11 March 2016 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Paper printing and packaging
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 2 December 2015
• Closed: 11 March 2016

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 date	Action
11 March 2016	Decision published
9 February 2016	Decision announced
18 December 2015	Launch of merger inquiry
2 December to 16 December 2015	Invitation to comment

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

9 February 2016: The CMA has cleared the acquisition by Kaplan Int. Holdings Limited of Osborne Books Limited. The full text of the decision is available below.

• Full text decision (11.3.16)

Launch of CMA merger inquiry

21 December 2015: On 18 December, the CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (21.12.15)

Invitation to comment: Now closed

2 December 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.

Published 9 February 2016
Last updated 11 March 2016 + show all updates

1. 11 March 2016

   Full text of the decision published.

2. 9 February 2016

   Clearance decision announced.