Background
Joint venture between Telia, Telenor Nextel AS and Schibsted Multimedia to establish Scandinavia One Line for the provision of internet access, gateway services, internet advertising and website production to individual and business customers mainly in Sweden. Telia is the State-owned telecommunications operator in Sweden. It provides a broad range of telecommunications services both in Sweden and abroad, including internet service provider services through Telia Infomedia Interactive AB. Telenor is the main Norwegian telecommunications operator. Its subsidiary, Telenor Nextel is a shareholder with BT and TeleDenmark in TeleNordia, which offers a number of internet-related services on the Swedish market. The Norwegian Schibsted Group is involved in a broad range of media-related activities.
Assessment
The Commission authorised the operation as it will not create or strengthen a dominant position. Also assessing the operation in accordance with the criteria of Articles 85(1) and 85(3), the Commission concluded that the operation will not restrict competition through co-ordination of the parent companies’ behaviour. (Case No. IV/JV1, decision of 27.05.98)
