New Zealand blocks Vodafone-Sky merger

(Telecompaper) The Commerce Commission has declined to grant clearance for the proposed merger of Sky Network Television and Vodafone New Zealand. The Commission says its assessment focused on the impact of the proposed merger on competition in both the broadband and mobile telecommunications markets. To grant clearance, the Commission says it would need to be satisfied that the proposed merger would not be likely to substantially lessen competition in any market in New Zealand.