OFT investigate HMV purchase of Zavvi stores

The Office of Fair Trading is investigating HMV’s acquisition of nine Zavvi stores.

The body said in a statement that it was ‘considering whether arrangements are in progress or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of the Enterprise Act 2002.

‘Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation, the OFT will further consider whether the creation of that situation may be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services that warrants reference to the Competition Commission for investigation and report.’

HMV purchased the stores last month.