Watchdog approves Inmarsat’s £5.4bn merger with US rival Viasat

Cleared for blast-off: Competition watchdog approves Inmarsat’s £5.4bn merger with US rival Viasat

The £5.4billion merger of two global satellite giants has been given the green light by the competitions watchdog. 

The takeover of Inmarsat by US rival Viasat is not expected to limit competition in the satellite sector, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) concluded. 

The watchdog launched an investigation into the deal in October amid concerns the tie-up could lead to airlines facing higher prices for WiFi on board. 

Cleared: The Competition and Markets Authority concluded the takeover of Inmarsat by Viasat is not expected to limit competition in the satellite sector

Both firms supply businesses around the world with satellite connectivity. 

The CMA found that the satellite communications sector is expanding rapidly due to heightened demand for connectivity amid the evergrowing use of the internet. 

Richard Feasey of the CMA’s inquiry group said: ‘All the evidence has shown the sector will continue to grow as the demand for satellite connectivity increases. 

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