Statement from the Commissioner of Competition on Postmedia's Proposed Acquisition of QMI's English-Language Media Assets

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct. 6, 2014) - Competition Bureau

John Pecman, Commissioner of Competition, issued the following statement today related to the proposed acquisition of Quebecor Media Inc.(QMI)'s daily newspapers and assets by Postmedia:

"The Competition Bureau will review Postmedia's proposed acquisition of QMI's English-language media assets, including print newspapers and ditigal properties.

While media ownership concentration can raise other public interest concerns, under the Competition Act, the Bureau's mandate is to review mergers exclusively to determine whether they are likely to result in a substantial lessening or prevention of competition."

Background:

As part of the Bureau's normal approach in examining a merger, the Bureau consults with a wide range of industry participants, such as suppliers, competitors, industry associations, customers and industry experts and considers many different factors, including, the definition of the relevant market, the level of concentration, and the level of competition remaining in the market.

Where the Bureau determines that a merger is likely to substantially affect competition, it prefers to resolve concerns through mutual agreement rather than through litigation. As such, it regularly resolves concerns through negotiated Consent Agreements. However, should the Bureau determine that a merger is likely to substantially affect competition, it may apply to the Competition Tribunal for an order to prevent, dissolve or alter the merger.

Canadians consumers and other stakeholders who wish to share their views on competition related issues regarding this proposed acquisition are invited to do so via the Bureau's website.

It is difficult to determine in advance how long a particular merger review will take to complete as the Bureau evaluates the steps that need to be taken on a case-by-case basis. As always, we work with the merging parties to complete our reviews as expeditiously as possible.

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.

Related Information

Overview of merger review process

Share your views on this proposed acquisition

The Competition Bureau, as an independent law enforcement agency, ensures that Canadian businesses and consumers prosper in a competitive and innovative marketplace.