Merger of Nova Ltd. and Símafélagið ehf.

The Competition Authority has been reviewing the acquisition of Símafélagið ehf. by Nova hf. Nova hf.'s main activity is the provision of mobile phone services, whereas Símafélagsins ehf.'s core business is the operation of the fixed-line network in connection with telephone and Internet services. From the above, it can be seen that the focus of the merging parties' operations is quite different in the telecommunications market. The aim of the merger is to combine two telecommunications companies into one that will be better equipped than before to make its mark in providing services to businesses, individuals and households. The merged company will also have increased opportunities to succeed in providing a comprehensive range of telecommunications services, namely mobile, internet and, where applicable, fixed-line telephone services. On the basis of the evidence before it, the Competition Authority cannot see that the merger in question would lead to the creation or strengthening of a dominant position, or that the merger would otherwise significantly distort competition, as per Article 17(c) of the Competition Act. The Competition Authority considers that there is no reason to take action regarding this merger on the basis of Article 17 of the Competition Act.