CMA greenlights merger between NortonLifeLock and Avast

Following an “in-depth” merger investigation, the Competition and Markets Authority has cleared the proposed acquisition of Avast by NortonLifeLock.

The CMA had queried the merger in early August (Phase 2) suggesting that it is unlikely the deal would reduce competition and lift consumer costs, but it said a deeper dive into the potential agreement was needed.

Kirstin Baker, chair of the CMA inquiry group, said at the time: “… we are currently satisfied that this deal won’t worsen the options available to consumers. As such, we have provisionally concluded that the deal can go ahead.”

After a consultation that wrapped-up on 24 August, the authority has decided to uphold its provisional findings and approve the deal.

Its investigations found that the merging businesses won’t restrict competition, coming mainly from McAfee, their biggest rival, plus a range of other suppliers that currently have a smaller market position in the UK.

The CMA also noted tech giant Microfsoft’s added rivalry, with its evolving and built-in security applications offering important alternatives for consumers that are similar to those of Norton and Avast.

Baker concluded: “After reviewing the evidence in an in-depth review, we are now satisfied that this deal won’t worsen the options available to consumers. As such, we have concluded that the deal can go ahead.”