Ladbrokes Coral merger investigation fast-tracked by CMA

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced it will fast track the proposed merger between Ladbrokes and Coral to an in-depth phase two investigation.

The CMA initially began its first phase investigation on 16 December, and asked for views on the companies’ requests to fast track it to the next stage.

With the criteria met for a phase two investigation due to the prospect of a substantial lessening of competition, the regulator has agreed to take it to the next stage.

“As the second and third largest bookmakers in the country in terms of betting shops, the merger could affect competition in the very large number of areas where their shops overlap,” said Andrea Coscelli, CMA Executive Director of Markets and Mergers.

“As such it warrants an in-depth investigation so we can look in detail at these and other potential competition concerns.

“The fast-track request means that the inquiry group can now get started with that investigation.”