Competition Commission Sends Issue Letter For RIM Inquiry

As part of its enquiry into the Gannett UK/Johnson Press/Guardian Media Group/Regional Independent Media Holdings (RIM) mergers, the Competition Commission has sent issues letters to the main parties.

The issues to be considered include the reasons for the proposed mergers and how they would be financed and managed; the financial position of the merged groups; any possible closures or launches which would result; the effect on concentration of ownership of the press and its local and national implications; the effect on employment; the effect on accuracy and quality; the benefits including efficiency gains and whether the merger would operate against the public interest.

The Gannett and Johnston bids (see RIM Bids Referred To Competition Commission) and the Guardian Media Group bid (see Guardian Group Joins Bidding War For RIM) were referred to the Commission in July this year. RIM is the 6th largest regional newspaper group in the country.

Competition Commission: 020 7271 0100