AlphaTheta / Serato merger inquiry
The CMA investigated the anticipated acquisition by AlphaTheta Corporation of Serato Audio Research Limited.
Phase 2
Administrative timetable
Referral date: 15 May 2024
Statutory deadline: 27 November 2024
- (3.7.24)
Contact
Merger reference cancelled
22 July 2024: The CMA has cancelled its merger inquiry into the anticipated acquisition by AlphaTheta Corporation of Serato Audio Research Limited.
- (22.7.24)
- Press notice: DJ software deal abandoned (22.7.24)
Issues statement
28 June 2024: The issues statement sets out the scope of the inquiry. It outlines initial theories on what might be adversely affecting competition, but it does not set out findings or conclusions. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement is 5pm on Friday 12 July 2024.
- (28.6.24)
Notice of extension of inquiry period
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(3.7.24)
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(25.6.24)
Notice of extension
- (7.6.24)
Inquiry Group appointed
6 June 2024: The CMA has appointed the inquiry group:
Terms of reference
15 May 2024: The CMA has referred the anticipated acquisition of Serato Audio Research Limited by AlphaTheta Corporation for an in-depth investigation.
- (15.5.24)
Statutory timetable
| Phase 1 | Action |
| 1 May 2024 | Deadline for phase 1 decision |
| 4 March 2024 | Launch of merger inquiry |
| 23 January to 6 February 2024 | Invitation to comment |
Phase 1
Reference decision
15 May 2024: The CMA has referred the anticipated acquisition of Serato Audio Research Limited by AlphaTheta Corporation for an in-depth investigation, on the basis that, on the information currently available to it, it is or may be the case that this Merger has resulted or may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom.
- (15.5.24)
Reference unless undertakings accepted
1 May 2024: The CMA has decided, on the information currently available to it, that it is or may be the case that this merger may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within a market or markets in the United Kingdom. This merger will be referred for a phase 2 investigation unless the parties offer acceptable undertakings to address these competition concerns.
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(30.5.24)
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(1.5.24)
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Press notice: Deal could see DJs paying more to keep partygoers entertained (1.5.24)
Launch of merger inquiry
4 March 2024: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.
- (4.3.24)
Invitation to comment: closed on 6 February 2024
23 January 2024: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is considering whether it is or may be the case that this transaction, if carried into effect, will result 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 may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services.
The CMA is issuing this preliminary ‘invitation to comment’ to allow interested parties to submit to the CMA any initial views on the impact that the transaction could have on competition in the UK. The CMA has not yet launched its formal investigation into this transaction. This invitation to comment is the first part of the CMA’s information-gathering process.
To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the merger from any interested party.
Written representations about any competition issues should be provided by the deadline set out above.
Contact
Your name and contact details are your personal data. In collecting, receiving, storing, accessing and using your personal data, the CMA, as controller, is processing your personal data. The CMA processes personal data in accordance with data protection law. The CMA is processing your personal data so that it can contact you again, should it need further help or information from you, in order to carry out its merger work under Part 3 of the Enterprise Act 2002. For more information about how the CMA processes personal data and your rights relating to that data, please see our Privacy Notice
Updates to this page
Published 23 January 2024Last updated 22 July 2024 + show all updates
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Merger reference cancelled
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Updated Administrative timetable and Termination of extension published.
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Issues statement published.
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Notice of extension under Section 39(4) (Serato) published.
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Administrative timetable published.
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Inquiry Group appointed and Notice of extension published.
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Reference unless undertakings accepted full text published.
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Decision to refer and terms of reference published.
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Summary of reference unless undertakings accepted published
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Launch of investigation.
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Invitation to comment closed.
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First published.