Commission Delays (And Effectively Ends) HMV Takeover of Ottakar’s A groundswell of opposition to the proposed takeover of UK bookselling chain Ottakar’s by larger competitor HMV (which own’s Waterstone’s) has been significantly delayed if not quashed outright. After extended deliberations, the UK’s OFT has referred the merger to the Competition Commission for review — and a decision won’t be rendered until late May. As a result, the current takeover offer automatically lapses — which led to a plunge in Ottakar’s stock in London markets, knocking the price down 17 percent by mid-afternoon in London. OFT chief executive John Fingleton said: […]
