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Matt Hancock “not minded” to refer Comcast’s bid for Sky to Ofcom

Minister reveals decision in written statement to House of Commons

Secretary of State Matt Hancock has said he is “not minded” to refer Comcast’s proposed bid for Sky to Ofcom.

In a Written Ministerial Statement, Hancock said: “Having reviewed the relevant evidence available, I can confirm that I have today written to the parties to inform them that I am minded not to issue an EIN on the basis that the proposed merger does not raise concerns in relation to public interest considerations which would meet the threshold for intervention.

“This is a quasi-judicial decision and I am required to make my decision independently, following a process that is scrupulously fair and impartial, and as quickly as possible.”

The statement concludes: “I will now allow until 5pm on Thursday 24 May for interested parties to submit written representations, and I aim to come to a final decision on whether to intervene in the merger shortly.”

Comcast made a formal £22 billion bid for Sky in April.

In a statement, Sky said it had “noted” the Secretary of State’s announcement.