INM bought magazines without regulator’s approval

Legislation prohibits acquisitions until CCPC gives go-ahead

INM headquarters on Talbot Street in Dublin

Independent News & Media (INM) completed its acquisition of four magazines earlier this year without getting prior approval from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

INM announced the acquisition of Ulster Business, Ulster Grocer, Northern Woman and Hospitality Review NI from Belfast-based Greer Publications in February.

As INM and Greer Publications are media businesses, the transaction was a media merger so it came under the Competition Act. The act prohibits companies putting ...