News in brief: CMA Launches Mobile Investigation into Apple and Google; Ströer Explores Sale of Core Ad Business; Havas Acquires CA Sports

CMA Launches Mobile Investigation into Apple and Google

The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched strategic market status (SMS) investigations into Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems. The investigations will assess both companies’ positions within the mobile landscape, looking at operating systems, app stores, and browsers that operate on mobile devices. The CMA aims to explore how people and businesses are impacted by Apple and Google’s mobile practices. Once the CMA has concluded whether the companies have SMS in the mobile market, it will be able to impose requirements in favour of encouraging more competition in the market to achieve positive outcomes for UK consumers and businesses. 

Ströer Explores Sale of Core Ad Business

German media group Ströer, which specialises in out-of-home advertising, is reportedly considering selling its core advertising business. Ströer is seeking a valuation of around €4bn (£3.36bn), according to Bloomberg. Privacy equity firms including Hellman & Friedman and KKR & Co have expressed interest in purchasing the unit, although the talks are not guaranteed to result in a transaction. 

Havas Acquires CA Sports

Havas Media Network has acquired CA Sports, a Spanish-based specialist sponsorship agency. Havas’ acquisition aims to deepen its sports marketing expertise as well as diversify its revenue base. The agency will be added to the Havas Play unit which focuses on entertainment. The full financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed. Through striking the deal, Havas also aims to expand its foothold in the Spanish market. The company is expected to announce the acquisition of another Spanish company this quarter.