– We will consider whether A-pressen’s acquisition of Mecom Europe is in accordance with the Media Ownership Act. We aim to finalize the consideration no later than May/June this year, says Gudbrand Guthus, the Norwegian Media Authority’s Director of the Licensing and Supervision Department.
During the second half of February the Norwegian Media Authority will send out a consultation paper on the matter of the acquisition. There will then be a period of two or three weeks for individuals, corporations, institutions and organizations to comment on the consultation paper.
If there are reasons to intervene in the acquisition the Norwegian Media Authority will send A-pressen a notification before the end of April. Meanwhile, the Media Authority will invite A-pressen to have a dialogue about an amicable solution.
– A-pressen can at any time come up with an amicable solution to this acquisition. If they do we will consider whether it is in accordance with the Media Ownership Act, says Guthus.
For the time being the Norwegian Competition Authority has placed a temporary ban on the acquisition.
– We will continually assess whether we also should place a temporary ban on the acquisition, says Guthus.
The Norwegian Media Authority has six months to reach a final decision on the acquisition of Mecom Europe AS. This decision can be appealed to the Media Appeals Board within three weeks of the decision.
Media Ownership Act
Media Ownership Act Guideline
* Mecom Europe AS is the holding company for Edda Media AS