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Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Friday, 8 February 2019, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 13 February 2019 (named day). It was answered by Jeremy Wright (Conservative) on Wednesday, 13 February 2019 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.


Lebedev Holdings

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what information his Department holds on the identity of the new part-owner of the Evening Standard's parent company, Lebedev Holdings.

Answer

Neither I nor my Department has had any contact from Lebedev Holding Ltd or its representatives about the transaction. While the Secretary of State has powers under the Enterprise Act 2002 to intervene in certain media mergers raising public interest concerns, there is no requirement under the Enterprise Act 2002 for parties to advise us of the transaction.

My officials will contact Lebedev Holdings Ltd about the transaction, and to obtain further information to determine whether there has been a change of control which would give rise to a merger falling within the jurisdiction of the 2002 Act. However, writing to the party does not necessarily indicate that any transaction raises any public interest concerns.

These decisions are always made in a quasi judicial capacity by the Secretary of State.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
218767
Session
2017-19
Related items
Evening Standard
Thursday, 14 February 2019
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Ownership Evening Standard Lebedev Holdings
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk