At the start of the season, Liberty Media announced its intention to acquire 86% of Dorna, the holder of the commercial rights to MotoGP. But some voices seem to be calling for a review by the European Commission.
Liberty Media could become the majority shareholder of MotoGP, in addition to its full control of F1. This takeover is reminiscent of that of CVC Capital Partner in the 2000s. The fund was forced to sell MotoGP in order to acquire F1.
Liberty Media in the viewfinder
Pascal Arimont, MEP from Belgium, wants the European Commission to investigate Liberty Media. He wants her to check whether Liberty Media complies with competition rules.in order to protect consumers and guarantee fair competition“. Indeed, the company led by Greg Maffei would own the rights to F1, MotoGP, FIA F2 and FIA F3, while Liberty Global has control over Formula E.
The politician is also concerned about the recent refusal of the Andretti team to join the F1 grid. A procedure is underway with the American authorities. “Commercial deals make it very difficult for new teams to enter F1, possibly illegally limiting competition” adds the MEP to HBVL.
But he’s not the only one to speak out. Alejandro Agag, founder and president of Formula E, wants the European Commission to look into the Liberty Media case. He is not asking for Europe to fail the operation but wishes “appropriate corrective measures to ensure market fairness“.
“From a competition law perspective, I think there are significant challenges ahead. The leverage that this merger will give to the resulting entity in negotiations with broadcasters will be significant and I think “the European Commission will examine this transaction very carefully,” he said in the Financial Times.
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