Canada’s competition tribunal clears Rogers-Shaw merger deal

Canada’s competition tribunal approved Rogers Communications’ CAD 20 billion ($14.77 billion) bid for rival operator Shaw Communications. The ruling, which dismissed the Commissioner of Competition’s petition to oppose the proposed merger, also stated the Rogers-Shaw merger after the sale of Freedom Mobile may not prevent or lessen competition or lead to higher prices or a decline in the quality of service. In a joint statement, Rogers Communications and Shaw Communications welcomed the decision by the competition tribunal allowing the proposed acquisition of Freedom Mobile by Videotron a wholly-owned subsidiary of Quebecor, and the subsequent combination of Rogers and Shaw.