BSkyB ‘Remains Convinced’ Man Utd Deal Should Not Have Blocked

Reacting to the news that Stephen Byers, secretary of state for trade and industry, has blocked its takeover of Manchester United (see BSkyB’s Man Utd Takeover Is Blocked), BSkyB this afternoon says it “remains convinced it did not raise any competition or wider public interest concerns.” Sky reiterated its mantra that the deal would have been good for fans, good for football and good for Manchester United.

Mark Booth, chief executive of BSkyB, says: “We are disappointed that the secretary of state has made this decision to prevent the bringing together of two companies whose skills complement each other, and have demonstrated their commitment to football.

“This ruling sets an unfortunate precendent for other British clubs and companies who may have wanted to work together to improve and invest in the future of football, for the benefit of clubs, players and fans alike. This is a bad ruling for British football clubs who will have to compete in Europe against clubs who are back by successful media companies,” warned Booth.

Cable company NTL’s planned merger with Newcastle United (see Update: NTL/Newcastle United Deal) is now to be investiagted by the Competition Commission, the DTI said this afternoon. However, the BSkyB/Man Utd ruling means that NTL’s chances of takeover success are probably not very high.

BSkyB: 0171 705 3000