Expert evidence in merger of Gauteng radio stations

Genesis was retained to file an expert report and testify in a landmark case involving a proposed acquisition in the communications and media sector.

The case arose when a large radio station owner in Gauteng, Primedia, moved to take an ownership stake in one of the region’s emerging radio stations, Kaya FM.

As Primedia already owned several large radio stations, there was a concern that, if the group were to take partial ownership of Kaya FM, it would be able to exert undue influence on the station’s policy and pricing to the detriment of market competitiveness.

The Tribunal approved the transaction without conditions, concluding that Primedia did not ultimately enjoy control over Kaya FM.