New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has expressed preliminary concerns about the proposed merger between Reliance and Walt Disney’s media assets, citing potential anti-competitive implications. The regulator’s focus is on the combined control over cricket broadcasting rights, which could lead to issues with pricing and market dominance.
In a private communication to Disney and Reliance, the CCI has raised concerns about the merger’s impact on competition in the Indian media landscape. The regulator has requested that the companies provide arguments against a formal investigation.
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The merger, announced in February, would create a dominant entertainment entity in India, majority-owned by Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance. The combined entity would have a vast portfolio, including 120 TV channels and two streaming services, potentially posing a competitive threat to other players such as Sony, Zee Entertainment, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
The CCI’s concerns highlight the potential for the merger to reduce competition and limit consumer choice in the Indian media market. As the regulator continues to evaluate the deal, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of the Indian entertainment industry.
