Competition Markets Authority
Phase 2
Administrative timetable
Date of referral 25 March 2022
Statutory deadline 8 September 2022
- (1.4.22)
Contact
Provisional findings
3 August 2022: The CMA has provisionally cleared the anticipated acquisition by NortonLifeLock Inc. of Avast plc.
The deadline for submitting responses to the provisional findings is 5pm on Wednesday 24 August 2022.
- (4.8.22)
- (4.8.22)
- (3.8.22)
- (3.8.22)
- Press release: CMA provisionally clears NortonLifeLock / Avast merger (3.8.22)
Responses to issues statement
- (29.7.22)
- (29.7.22)
- (17.6.22)
- (14.6.22)
Issues statement
5 May 2022: The issues statement sets out the scope of the inquiry. It outlines initial theories on what might be adversely affecting competition and outlines the main issues the CMA are likely to consider in reaching a decision on the SLC question. The issues statement does not set out findings or conclusions. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement is midnight, BST on Thursday 19 May 2022.
- (5.5.22)
Inquiry group appointed
25 March 2022: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group.
Kirstin Baker (Chair), Paul Hughes, Robin Cohen, Keith Richards
Terms of reference
25 March 2022: The CMA has referred the anticipated acquisition by NortonLifeLock Inc. of Avast plc for an in-depth investigation.
- (25.3.22)
Phase 1
Statutory timetable
| Date | Action |
|---|---|
| 16 May | Decision published |
| 16 March 2022 | Decision announced |
| 19 January 2022 | Launch of merger inquiry |
| 19 January 2022 to 2 February 2022 | Invitation to comment |
Reference decision
25 March 2022: The CMA has referred the anticipated acquisition by NortonLifeLock Inc. of Avast plc for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this merger has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.
- (25.3.22)
Reference unless undertakings accepted
16 March 2022: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.
- (16.5.22)
- (16.3.22)
- Press notice: CMA finds NortonLifeLock purchase of Avast could reduce competition (16.3.22)
Launch of merger inquiry
19 January 2022: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.
- (19.1.22)
Invitation to comment: closed 2 February 2022
19 January 2022: The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.
These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.