Global Radio appeals Competition Commission’s decision

Global Radio has today filed an application with the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) for a review of the Competition Commission’s final decision in the acquisition of Real & Smooth.

The Competition Commission last month announced that it will force Global Radio to sell stations in seven areas of the UK as part of a fair acquisition of Real & Smooth.

In its final report the Competition Commission concluded that the merger is likely to lead to higher prices for advertising in seven UK regions, confirming the Commission’s provisional findings which were published in February.

The Commission also found that in areas where Global and Real & Smooth (formally GMG Radio) stations currently overlap and compete, advertisers buying airtime on a campaign-by-campaign basis could face higher costs for both airtime and sponsorship and promotion activity.

Global’s appeal challenges on a number of grounds the decision of the Competition Commission.

In a statement, Global said on Friday that it continues to engage with the Competition Commission “proactively on remedies discussions, in parallel with the case now proceeding before the CAT.”

Lepe Partners have also been appointed as the company’s strategic advisors.