As noted in the Competition Council’s announcement, concentration is accomplished through the acquisition of interests.
The Competition Council clarified the commercial activities of the enterprises involved in the transaction.
“Moldcell” SA operates as a digital operator in the electronic communications sector of the Republic of Moldova, providing mobile communication services, fixed and mobile Internet, digital solutions, etc. to individuals and legal entities on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
“NCM United” SRL does not carry out operational activities on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
OCN “Prime Capital” SRL carries out non-banking lending activities on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
In order to determine whether this economic concentration is compatible with the normal competitive environment, the competition authority will analyze the announced transaction in accordance with the Competition Law and the Regulation on Economic Concentrations.
The Competition Council is interested in receiving comments and opinions from third parties – economic agents – on how the announced economic concentration affects or may affect competition on the given market.
As a reminder, parliamentary commissions are discussing a draft law that may change the rules for acquiring large stakes in non-bank payment organizations and strengthen the control of the National Bank of Moldova (NBM).
The initiative stipulates that the purchase of significant blocks of shares or stakes in such companies will be possible only with the prior authorization of the NBM. If the direct or indirect owners, including ultimate beneficiaries, do not comply with this requirement, have not provided the National Bank with the necessary information or if the NBM determines that the stakes were acquired in concerted actions without its authorization, the regulator may apply sanctions.
