Rogers, Shaw agree to delay merger
By Adnews Staff
The Competition Bureau has reached an agreement with Rogers and Shaw to prohibit closing their proposed merger pending the outcome of the commissioner's application to challenge it. The preliminary injunction prohibits the two companies from closing the merger until the challenge is decided by the Competition Tribunal. Rogers has also agreed not to enforce any condition in its agreement with Shaw that limits Shaw's ability to operate its wireless business. Rogers and Shaw have also agreed to the commissioner's request for an expedited hearing process. The bureau is seeking to block Rogers’s proposed $26 billion acquisition of Shaw in an effort to “protect Canadians from higher prices, poorer service quality and fewer choices.”
“Vigorous competition is essential for Canadians to access affordable, high quality wireless services,” said Matthew Boswell, Commissioner of Competition. “I'm pleased this case can now move quickly towards a hearing before the tribunal. Our objective remains to protect Canadians by preserving competition and choice in Canada's wireless market.”