'Liberty Media's proposed MotoGP purchase could be investigated by the EU'
- Savannah Lenz
Formula 1's owner, Liberty Media's purchase of MotoGP is in danger of being investigated by the European Union due to anti-trust concerns about a lack of competition in the broadcast and streaming markets.
Proposed MotoGP takeover to be investigated
MEP Pascal Arimont has been openly critical of Liberty Media's plans to take over motorsport's premier class from Dorna Sports. According to Belgian politician, the takeover would give Liberty Media a monopoly in the European market.
Bloomberg reports that the proposed $3.8 billion takeover of MotoGP is in danger of being subjected to an in-depth investigation by the European Union. Teresa Ribera, Euro commissioner, is rumoured to be concerned with Liberty Media's acquisition of Dorna Sport, as that would leave Liberty Media with two of the biggest motorsport classes.
The deadline to launch a phase 2 investigation is the 19 December. Officials are said to be preparing for the launch of the investigation. Nothing about the takeover is set in stone and could conceptionally change. A Liberty Media spokesman said the company would "continue to work constructively" with EU regulators as part of the investigation.
This article was written in collaboration with Nicole Muller.
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