Sky’s $2.1 Billion ITV Megadeal: U.K. Regulators Get Gov’t Green Light for Investigation

The UK Government has formally referred Sky’s planned £1.6 billion purchase of ITV’s television and streaming business for regulatory investigation. Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said Ofcom and the Competition and Markets Authority will examine the deal, which would unite the country’s largest pay-TV operator with its largest commercial free-to-air broadcaster.

Ofcom will assess the potential effects on the public interest, including media plurality and the range of programmes available, while the CMA will consider competition. Sky says the combined business would be better placed to compete with global streaming services and has pledged to protect ITV’s identity and the distinct editorial voices of Sky News and ITV News. ITV Studios, the company’s production arm, is not part of the sale and would remain separate.