BSkyB deal for Virgin Media channels goes to OFT

The Office of Fair Trading is to look at whether BSkyB's £160m acquisition of Virgin Media Television, which operates channels including Bravo and Living, is likely to raise any regulatory issues in the UK. The OFT is aiming to gauge whether the deal, which BSKyB completed last week after receiving regulatory approval in the Republic of Ireland , could constitute a merger situation under the 2002 Enterprise Act. The regulator has invited comment from interested parties today to assess industry views on the ramifications of the acquisition, which represents a consolidation of competition in the pay-TV market. If the OFT were to determine that there were a substantial lessening of competition, although this seems unlikely, then it would refer the case to the Competition Commission for a fuller investigation. • To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email [email protected] or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000. • If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".