UK Regulator Set to Clear Bottomline's Acquisition of Experian Payments Gateway

By Adria Calatayud

The U.K.'s Competition and Markets Authority said Tuesday that it has provisionally found that Bottomline Technologies Inc.'s acquisition of Experian Payments Gateway from Experian PLC doesn't raise competition concerns.

The antitrust regulator said an in-depth analysis of the deal provisionally found that the merger isn't likely to raise competition concerns as EPG is no longer a strong force in the market and there remain enough alternative providers. The investigation was conducted by an independent group of panel members, the CMA said.

Both Bottomline and EPG make payments software used by businesses to submit direct debits, make payroll payments and pay suppliers, and the CMA had previously said it was concerned the deal may reduce competition. The regulator in October referred the merger for an in-depth probe after completing a phase 1 investigation.

The CMA said it is now seeking views on its preliminary findings by March 10 before making a final decision. It is due to release its final report by April 5.

Write to Adria Calatayud at [e-mail]

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 18, 2020 06:31 ET (11:31 GMT)

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