Penguin Random House / Simon & Schuster merger inquiry

The CMA investigated and cleared the anticipated acquisition by Penguin Random House LLC of the Simon & Schuster book publishing business.

• From: Competition and Markets Authority
• Published: 22 March 2021
• Last updated: 4 June 2021 — See all updates

• Case type: Mergers
• Case state: Closed
• Market sector: Paper printing and packaging
• Outcome: Mergers - phase 1 clearance
• Opened: 22 March 2021
• Closed: 4 June 2021

Statutory timetable

Phase 1	Action
12 May 2021	Decision announced
22 March to 7 April	Invitation to comment
19 March 2021	Launch of merger investigation

Phase 1

CMA clearance decision

12 May 2021: The CMA has cleared the anticipated acquisition by Penguin Random House LLC of the Simon & Schuster book publishing business.

• Full text decision (4.6.21)

Invitation to comment: now closed

22 March 2021: 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.

Launch of merger inquiry

19 March 2021: The CMA announced the launch of its merger inquiry by notice to the parties.

• Commencement notice (22.3.21)

Contact

Please send written representations about any competition issues to general.enquiries@cma.gov.uk.

Published 22 March 2021
Last updated 4 June 2021 + show all updates

1. 4 June 2021

   Final report published.

2. 12 May 2021

   Clearance announcement published.

3. 22 March 2021

   First published.