The Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority (FCCA) has initiated further proceedings concerning an acquisition whereby Anvia Oyj and Finda Oy are to gain joint control of Anvia Telcom Oy.
Anvia (formerly Vaasan Läänin Puhelin) is a telecommunications company operating mainly in Ostrobothnia. Through its subsidiary, Anvia Telecom, it provides IT and telecommunications services. Finda specialises in development, ownership and related investment activity in the ICT sector. Finda’s most important associated company is the telecommunications operator DNA.
On the basis of the FCCA’s preliminary investigations, the acquisition may have harmful impacts on competition in the telecommunications market. In April 2015, the FCCA approved an acquisition whereby Elisa Oyj gained control in Anvia Oyj. The control structure in Anvia is currently unclear but, on account of Elisa’s significant shareholding, the FCCA is investigating further proceedings, including possible structural links between Elisa and DNA as well as the possibility of the companies co-ordinating their operations through Anvia Telecom. In addition, the FCCA will further investigate the effects of the acquisition on the competitive position of Anvia Telecom and DNA in fixed broadband services.
Following these proceedings, the FCCA may approve the acquisition as such, attach conditions to the approval or request the Finnish Market Court to prohibit the acquisition. According to the Finnish Competition Act, these further proceedings may not take longer than three months.
Further information:
Laura Kauppila, Research Officer, tel. +358 29 505 3335
firstname.lastname@kkv.fi