EU Launches Probe Into Vodafone-Liberty Global Deal

By Adria Calatayud

EU regulators have opened an investigation into possible competition issues raised by Vodafone Group PLC's (VOD.LN) acquisition of Liberty Global PLC's (LBTYA) assets.

The European Commission--the EU's executive arm--received a notification on Oct. 19, according to a regulatory filing published Monday. The provisional deadline for the EC decision on the case is Nov. 27, according to the filing.

Reuters earlier on Monday reported that Telefonica Deutschland AG (O2D.XE) had called on EU regulators to block the deal.

Vodafone agreed to buy operations in Germany, Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic from John Malone's Liberty Global in May. The deal was valued at 19 billion euros ($22.5 billion at the time).

Vodafone shares at 1347 GMT were down 0.8% at 151.26 pence.

Write to Adria Calatayud at adria.calatayudvaello@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 22, 2018 10:13 ET (14:13 GMT)

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