Regulatory body in the UK declines combination of SpreadEx and Sporting Index merger proposal
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced its final decision to reject the proposed merger between SpreadEx and Sporting Index, citing concerns that the deal would create a monopoly in the online sports spread betting market.
The CMA's decision, announced on Friday, follows an extensive review of additional evidence presented by an independent panel. The panel's findings align with the CMA's original decision from November 2024, which was appealed by SpreadEx.
The independent panel, led by Richard Feasey, has concluded that the merger would eliminate competition in the online sports spread betting market. Feasey suggests that for the deal to proceed, SpreadEx must sell Sporting Index to "restore competition in the supply of this market."
The possible consequences of the merger, as outlined by the CMA, include a poorer user experience, a smaller selection of products, and potentially higher prices. The CMA claims that the merger would kill all competition in the market, leading to a lack of choice and potential price hikes for consumers.
The merger was initially announced in November 2023. The matter was referred back to the CMA for a second look in March 2025, following the appeal by SpreadEx.
In response to the CMA's decision, SpreadEx is expected to either sell the business to a CMA-approved buyer or accept undertakings to sell Sporting Index. The CMA's decision is a significant blow to the proposed merger and a win for consumers who rely on competition for fair prices and a wide range of products in the online sports spread betting market.
This decision underscores the CMA's commitment to maintaining a competitive marketplace, ensuring that consumers continue to benefit from choice, quality, and fair pricing.
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