Zee, Sony downplay merger concerns

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zee) and Sony on Thursday made a presentation before the Competition Commission of India (CCI) after the regulator raised some concerns about the proposed merger.

During the discussion, the two companies said they will not abuse their market dominance and not charge a higher fee from advertisers or DTH providers for a fixed period. However, the meeting was reportedly inconclusive with the competition watchdog yet to give the go-ahead for the mega amalgamation.

In August, the CCI had communicated to the companies through a notice that their “humongous market position’’ would allow them to enjoy “unparalleled bargaining power’’.