Bulgaria's Anti-Trust Body OKs Sale of Cable TV/Internet Cos CableTEL, Vicom Bulgaria to Dutch FN Cable

FN Cable applied for regulatory approval in June.

Although the business concentration will lead to the creation of a dominant operator on the paid TV market, the fast-changing technologies in the sector and indirect stimulation of the development of Internet and fixed-line voice services offset the possible negative effects from the deal, the Commission for Protection of Competition (CPC) said in a statement.

FN Cable Cooperatief U.A. indirectly controls FN Cable Holdings B.V, which owns CableTEL's main local rival, Eurocom Cable Management Bulgaria, CPC said.

CableTEL and Vicom Bulgaria are owned by UK-registered Rumford Alliance Limited.

Vicom Bulgaria controls cable TV and Internet providers Eurocom Sofia Cable, Eurocom Chirpan, Gabrovo Cable, Verea Cable, and the rights and assets related to providing cable TV and Internet services by Eurotur Sat TV in the capital Sofia and in the town of Kozloduy.