Commission opens in-depth investigation into Thomson's take over of Reuters

08 October 2007

The Commission decided to open an in-depth investigation under the EU Merger Regulation into the proposed combination of Thomson of Canada and Reuters of the UK. The Commission now has 90 working days until 25 February 2008 to take a final decision on whether the proposed transaction would significantly impede effective competition within the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it.

 

On 3 September 2007, Thomson notified the Commission of its project to acquire Reuters' activities through a dual listed company structure which would be controlled by Thomson.

 

The Commission's initial market investigation highlighted that the concentration would raise competition concerns notably with regard to the supply of financial information, such as the provision of data-feeds, the access to specific financial information databases commercialised by the notifying parties, the access to real-time and aftermarket research (broker reports) and the provision of news services. Most of these products are predominantly used in off-trading floor activities of financial institutions.

 

Press release

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