Lithuania: Competition Council blocks TV3 Group’s acquisition of radio stations

Lithuania’s Competition Council has blocked All Media Lithuania’s acquisition of several local radio stations, BNS reports. All Media Lithuania, part of Baltic media group TV3 Group, planned to acquire 100% of shares in three companies that operate radio stations Laluna, Lietus, M-1, M-1 Plius, and Raduga, as well as advertising agency Reklamos Ekspertai. The Competition Council found that the acquisition would have impeded competition in radio and TV advertising. TV3 Group owns several radio and TV stations, advertising agencies, and media websites in Lithuania. All Media Lithuania argued that the Competition Council’s decision would cause “long-term damage” to Lithuanian media.