The UK Competition and Market Authority (CMA) announced on March 22 that it is investigating the merger of Vodafone Group and a subsidiary of Cheung Kong Hutchison Industries. The UK Competition and Market Authority stated that based on current information, the merger may or may lead to a significant reduction in competition in one or more markets in the UK. Unless both parties make an acceptable commitment to resolving these competitive issues, the merger will be submitted for the second phase of investigation.
Last June, Changhe Group announced a binding agreement with Vodafone Group to integrate their telecommunications businesses in the UK. Changhe announced that it will establish a joint venture with Vodafone, and Three UK and Vodafone UK will become subsidiaries of the joint venture.