The Gazdasági Versenyhivatal (Hungarian Competition Authority – GVH) has authorised two, closely related concentrations. One of the concentrations involves certain Hungarian newspapers of Axel Springer SE and Ringier AG being sold to the Vienna Capital Partners group (VCP), while the second concentration involves other Hungarian newspapers of the two undertakings being placed under the jointly controlled Ringier Axel Springer Media AG.
As a consequence of the concentrations, some of the newspapers that are currently controlled by Ringier AG, Népszabadság, Nemzeti Sport and some of the magazines will come under the control of VCP. VCP will also become the publisher of 8 county dailies, Vasárnap Reggel, Világgazdaság and several magazines, which currently belong to the Axel Springer portfolio.
The Blikk newspaper group (Blikk, Vasárnapi Blikk, Blikk magazines), which is currently controlled by Ringier AG, and TV listings and more magazines among the Axel Springer SE controlled newspapers will come under the control of jointly controlled Ringier Axel Spriner Media AG.
No competition concerns were identified on an examination of the above-mentioned proposed concentrations. Furthermore, third parties contacted in the case did not raise any concerns on the merits stemming from the concentrations. Consequently, the GVH decided to clear both concentrations.
Case numbers: Vj-6/2014., Vj-7/2014.
Budapest, 25 July 2014.
Hungarian
Competition Authority
Further information:
Katalin GONDOLOVICS
Gazdasági Versenyhivatal
Mail: 1054 Budapest, V. ker. Alkotmány u.5.
Postal address: 1245 Budapest, 5. Pf. 1036
Tel: (+36-1) 472-8902
Email: press@gvh.hu
http://www.gvh.hu