Kiril Petkov tries to influence the Bulgarian market regulator’s decision on Bulsatcom

If it is true that tomorrow the CPC (The Bulgarian Commission on Protection of Competition) will approve the deal between United Group and Bulsatcom, this worries us a lot as we read the CRC (the Bulgarian Communications Regulation Commission) reports [which indicate] nearly 60% market share."

This is what Kiril Petkov, the co-chairman of "We Continue the Change" political party, told journalists yesterday. Petkov's statement was made hours after a publication in the web news portal Mediapool, according to which the regulator will approve the deal today. Given his comments, it can be said that Kiril Petkov thus called on the CPC not to approve the deal.

His appeal comes a week after the public meeting between him and businessman Spas Rusev, who is the majority shareholder in Bulsatcom.

In connection with Petkov’s statement, United Group issued an official position to the media, saying that the statements of the politician could influence the decision process of the CPC.

Position

We are shocked by the statement made by Mr. Kiril Petkov regarding the Bulsatcom case. On 31 January, Mr. Petkov speculated on the future decision of the Commission for the Protection of Competition regarding this transaction. This is unacceptable interference by a politician in the work of an independent administrative body," United Group wrote.

As per Bulgarian legislation, the CPC is completely independent from the government. It applies competition law and is not guided by political considerations. Its proceedings are confidential. The examination of the Bulsatcom case is ongoing and the decision has not yet been adopted and published. Mr Petkov commented on the potential future decision based on rumours and assumptions spread in the media. That way, he is trying to influence the decision of the independent regulator.

This behaviour violates Bulgarian and EU legislation. In the EU, the European Commission has always opposed any political influence when considering mergers and acquisitions. We believe that the CPC will follow the same approach. We believe in the independence of the Bulgarian institutions and in their ability to oppose the overt interference of political leaders," says a statement from United Group.

The deal

In November 2023, it was announced that the former leader in the Bulgarian TV provision market - Bulsatcom - was on its way to becoming the property of United Group, the parent company of Vivacom.

Translated by Tzvetozar Vincent Iolov