Analyst still expects deal to go ahead
HMV will have to wait until the end of next week to find out whether its takeover of books chain Ottakar's can go ahead.
The Office of Fair Trading said today that a decision on whether to refer the deal to the Competition Commission would not be announced until then. As a result, the final closing date for the offer has been extended to December 14.
Seymour Pierce retail analyst Richard Ratner said: 'While the OFT, having extended the period for the second time, may indicate that it is looking closely at the situation, our view remains that, on balance, it is likely to go through.'
HMV's Waterstone's business and Ottakar's would have a combined market share of 23.6 per cent and sales of£620 million if the bid is successful.
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