The Competition Authority approves the merger of Torg ehf and Frjáls fjölmiðlun ehf.

The Competition Authority approves the merger of Torg ehf. and Frjáls fjölmiðlun ehf.

The Competition Authority has been reviewing the merger of Torg ehf. (Torg) and Frjáls fjölmiðlun ehf. (Frjáls fjölmiðlun). Torg is the publishing company of the Fréttablaðið newspaper and operates the news website frettabladid.is. Torg also owns the subsidiary Hringbraut fjölmiðla ehf. Frjáls fjölmiðlun is the publishing company for the newspaper DV and also operates a website under the same name. During the proceedings, the Competition Authority obtained various documents from the merging parties and other interested parties. As this concerns a merger between media providers, the Competition Authority obtained an opinion from the Media Commission on the impact of the merger on pluralism and diversity, in accordance with the provisions of Article 62. para. b of Article 62 of the Media Act, as well as holding meetings with the Media Commission.

Based on the evidence before it, the Competition Authority has concluded that the merger of Torg and Frjáls fjölmiðlun will not result in the creation or strengthening of a dominant position, nor will it otherwise significantly distort competition. Furthermore, it is the conclusion of the Authority, in light of the opinion of the Media Commission, that there is no basis for intervention regarding the merger's impact on media pluralism and diversity. For these reasons, the competition authority concludes that there are no grounds to take action in respect of this merger. In light of the circumstances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Competition Authority's work, a decision detailing the investigation will be published shortly on the Competition Authority's website.