Flutter Entertainment plc / The Stars Group Inc. merger inquiry

The CMA investigated and cleared the anticipated merger of Flutter Entertainment plc and The Stars Group Inc.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 5 February 2020
• Last updated: 21 April 2020 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Recreation and leisure
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 4 February 2020
• Closed: 31 March 2020

Statutory timetable

Phase 1 Date	Action
31 March 2020	Decision announced
4 February to 18 February 2020	Invitation to comment
4 February 2020	Launch of merger inquiry

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

31 March 2020: The CMA has cleared the anticipated merger of Flutter Entertainment plc and The Stars Group Inc.

• Full text decision (21.4.20)
• Summary of phase 1 decision (31.3.20)
• News story: Merger between betting firms cleared by the CMA (31.3.20)

Invitation to comment: now closed

4 February 2020: The 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.

To assist it with this assessment, the CMA invites comments on the transaction from any interested party.

These comments should be provided by the deadline set out above.

Launch of merger inquiry

4 February 2020: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement of initial period notice (4.2.20)

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition or public interest to general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.

Published 5 February 2020
Last updated 21 April 2020 + show all updates

1. 21 April 2020

   Full text decision published.

2. 5 February 2020

   First published.