Merger Update : Adevinta / eBay

CMA invites comments on online classified advertising platforms merger remedy:

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has opened a consultation on undertakings proposed by eBay Inc. and Adevinta ASA to address competition concerns over Adevinta ASA's anticipated acquisition of eBay Classifieds Group and eBay's acquisition of a minority stake in Adevinta ASA.

On 16 February 2021 the CMA announced that it would refer the acquisition for an in-depth investigation unless eBay Inc. and Adevinta ASA offered acceptable undertakings to address the CMA's concerns.

To address the CMA's concerns, the Parties have offered to divest Gumtree's UK business (including Motors.co.uk) and Shpock. Adevinta ASA has proposed RussMedia Equity Partners as the upfront buyer of the Shpock business.

On 2 March 2021 the CMA announced that it would look in detail at these undertakings. The CMA has until 28 June 2021 to consider whether to accept the undertakings, or a modified version of them. As part of this process, the CMA is now consulting publicly on whether the proposals are sufficient to address the CMA's competition concerns.

Before reaching a final decision, the CMA is therefore inviting interested parties to make their views known. The deadline for responses is 11 May 2021.

The consultation on the undertakings and all other information relating to this merger investigation can be found on the case page at Adevinta / eBay merger inquiry - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

In the event of media enquiries please email press@cma.gov.uk.