The Competition Bureau of Canada says it is moving forward with its review of Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B) proposed $16 billion U.S. acquisition of rival Shaw Communications (TSX:SJR.B).
The federal antitrust agency says it has received court orders to help its review of the telecommunications merger. The orders require Xplornet Communications, BCE (TSX:BCE), Telus (TSX:T) and Quebecor (TSX:QBR.B) to provide it with records and written information about wireless services to help its investigation of the deal.
The Competition Bureau is looking into whether the Rogers takeover of Shaw is likely to hurt competition for wireless, wireline and broadcasting services throughout Canada.
BCE and Telus are national wireless competitors to Rogers, while Quebecor competes primarily in Quebec and Xplornet is focused on serving customers in rural areas of the country.
The takeover, which is expected to close next year, is being reviewed by several authorities, including the federal government and the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), which regulates the broadcasting and telecom industries in Canada.
