The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced a merger inquiry into Sportradar’s planned acquisition of IMG Arena. As a leading sports data provider, Sportradar could potentially undermine the market competition should it merge with IMG Arena.
The Authority Will Probe the Deal
Earlier this year, Sportradar set out to acquire IMG Arena from its current owner, Endeavour Holdings. The former company put forward $125 million for this acquisition, which will see it join forces with another leading data provider.
On July 11, the CMA weighed in on the matter and launched an invitation to comment on whether the transaction “may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the UK.”
On August 29, the CMA published an update on the matter, confirming that it has launched an inquiry into the two parties’ merger. The regulator added that the inquiry will officially begin on September 1. It has set October 24 as the deadline for a final decision as to whether to refer the merger for a Phase 2 investigation.
Sportradar Is in a Good Spot
The CMA’s decision to launch an inquiry into the merger comes as Sportradar continues to go from strength to strength.
A few weeks ago, Sportradar Group renewed and reinforced its long-term relationship with Bundesliga International, a soccer portal under the DFL Deutsche Fußball Liga’s umbrella. This partnership, which has run since 2005, will therefore continue to generate additional value for both the league and its fans.
At the end of July, Sportradar penned a Brazil-facing partnership with BETesporte, allowing the latter company to pioneer the data specialist’s latest player protection tool, Bettor Sense.