Competition Markets Authority
Further information on how we are investigating the Vodafone/Three potential merger can be located on the dedicated guidance page.
Phase 2
Administrative timetable
Referral date: 4 April 2024
Statutory deadline: 12 October 2024
- (3.6.24)
Contact
Initial submission
- (14.6.24)
Responses to the issues statement
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
- (13.6.24)
Notice of extension of inquiry period
- (3.6.24)
- (10.5.24)
Issues statement
2 May 2024: The issues statement sets out the scope of the inquiry. It outlines initial theories on what might be adversely affecting competition, but it does not set out findings or conclusions. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement is 5pm on Thursday 16 May 2024.
- (2.5.24)
Inquiry group appointed
4 April 2024: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group:
Terms of reference
4 April 2024: The CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between Vodafone Group Plc and CK Hutchison Holdings Limited concerning Vodafone Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited for an in-depth investigation.
- (4.4.24)
Phase 1
Statutory timetable
Phase 1 | Action |
---|---|
22 March 2024 | Decision announced |
26 January 2024 to 9 February 2024 | Invitation to comment |
26 January 2024 | Launch of merger inquiry |
11 October 2023 to 1 November 2023 | Preliminary invitation to comment |
Reference decision
4 April 2024: The CMA has referred the anticipated joint venture between Vodafone Group Plc and CK Hutchison Holdings Limited concerning Vodafone Limited and Hutchison 3G UK Limited 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 may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.
- (4.4.24)
Reference unless undertakings accepted
22 March 2024: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger 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.
- (29.4.24)
- (22.3.24)
- Press notice: Vodafone / Three deal could leave consumers and businesses worse off (22.3.24)
Launch of merger inquiry
26 January 2024: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.
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