Watchdog approves £5.4 billion merger of Inmarsat and Viasat – London Business News | London Wallet

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has approved the merger of two global satellite giants Inmarsat and Viasat worth £5.4 billion.

The CMA launched an investigation in October that if the merger was to go ahead then this could cost airlines higher prices for onboard wifi.

Richard Feasey, chair of the inquiry group said, “The satellite communications sector is evolving at rapid pace – new companies are entering the market, more satellites are being launched into space, and firms are exploring and entering into new commercial deals.

“All the evidence has shown that the sector will continue to grow as the demand for satellite connectivity increases.

“After carefully scrutinising the deal, we are now satisfied that, following the merger, these developments will ensure that both airlines and their UK customers will continue to benefit from strong competition.”