Competition Tribunal clears path for Rogers-Shaw merger

OTTAWA –

The Competition Tribunal has dismissed an software from Canada’s competitors watchdog looking for to dam Rogers Communications Inc.’s proposed $26-billion buy of Shaw Communications Inc., clearing a path for the deal to undergo.

It nonetheless requires approval from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada.

In a abstract of its determination launched Thursday, the Tribunal says the merger of the 2 telecommunications firms wouldn’t lead to materially greater costs.

The determination says the deal that features the sale of Shaw-owned Freedom Mobile to Quebecor-owned Videotron Ltd. would not going forestall or reduce competitors considerably.

It says a extra detailed determination shall be launched within the subsequent two days.

The Competition Tribunal held 4 weeks of hearings to debate issues in regards to the proposed deal earlier this yr.

Throughout the listening to, the Competition Bureau argued the merger would reduce competitors within the telecom market, set off greater costs and result in poor service.

Rogers and Shaw argued the deal would improve competitors and be higher for customers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Dec. 29, 2022.