The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) announced it is investigating the completed acquisition by Iberdrola through its subsidiary Scottish Power Energy Networks Holdings Limited of North West Electricity Networks.
Invitation to comment closes on February 12, 2025.
“The CMA is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has resulted, or may be expected to result, in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services,” said the CMA.
“In addition, the CMA is also considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction has resulted in the creation of a relevant merger situation involving an energy network merger under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002 and, if so, whether the creation of that situation has caused, or may be expected to cause, substantial prejudice to the ability of Ofgem to make comparisons between energy network enterprises of the type involved in the energy network merger.
“To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.
“Written representations about any competition issues or Ofgem’s ability to make comparisons between energy operators should be provided by the deadline set out above.”