Decision Nº M/04/002 from Competition and Consumer Protection Commission,

• Jurisdiction: Ireland
• Status: Preliminary investigation (Phase 1)
• Parties: Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited,Internet Interaction
• Date: 09 February 2004
• Court: Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (Ireland)
• Decision Number: M/04/002

Determination of the Competition Authority

Determination No. M/04/002 of the Competition Authority, dated February 9,

2004, under Section 21 of the Competition Act, 2002

Notification No. M/04/002 – Independent Newspapers/Internet Interaction

Introduction

1. On January 9, 2004, the Competition Authority, in accordance with Section 18

(1) of the Competition Act, 2002 (“the Act”) was notified, on a mandatory basis,

of a proposal whereby Independent Newspapers (Ireland) Limited (“INIL”)

would acquire all the shares in Internet Interaction Limited (“IIL”).

The Parties

2. INIL is a limited company based in Ireland, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of

Independent News & Media plc. It publishes a number of newspapers in the

State, including both national and regional titles. Its parent company has

worldwide activities in a variety of sectors, notably printing/publishing, outdoor

advertising, and electronic media.

3. IIL is a limited company based in Ireland, and is primarily engaged in the

provision of network services, ie as an internet service provider (ISP). This

involves providing email services, internet access, plus related services. It also

hosts and manages the unison.ie website which provides access to content from a

variety of Irish newspaper titles.

4. INIL was previously in joint control of IIL, owning 50% outright, and having a

50% share in Princes Holding Limited, which owned the remaining 50% of IIL.

This transaction thus sees a move from joint to sole control.

Analysis

5. INIL has a major market presence in the newspaper sector, while IIL is a

relatively small player in the provision of network services. However, there is no

real overlap between the activities of the parties, as neither INIL nor any other

company in the Independent News & Media plc group is engaged in the business

of internet service provision. Accordingly, the transaction does not give rise to

competition concerns.

Determination

The Competition Authority, in accordance with Section 21(2) of the Competition Act,

2002, has determined that, in its opinion, the result of the proposed acquisition will

not be to substantially lessen competition in markets for goods and services in the

State and, accordingly, that the acquisition may be put into effect.

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