The Antimonopoly Office of the Slovak Republic (PMÚ) has initiated administrative proceedings to assess a proposed concentration in the Slovak telecommunications sector.
The proceedings, opened on 20 February 2026, concern the acquisition of indirect exclusive control by Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC over UPC BROADBAND SLOVAKIA, s.r.o.. Emirates Telecommunications Group already controls telecommunications operator O2 Slovakia in the Slovak Republic.
According to the authority’s notice, the transaction falls within the telecommunications sector, specifically covering wired telecommunications activities (SK NACE J.61.10) and wireless telecommunications activities (SK NACE J.61.20).
The initiation of proceedings marks the beginning of the first-phase (Phase I) review, during which the PMÚ will assess whether the notified concentration could significantly impede effective competition in the relevant markets. The review is expected to focus on potential horizontal and vertical overlaps, as well as any effects on market structure, pricing, network access and consumer choice in Slovakia’s broadband and mobile communications segments.
In line with Slovak merger control procedures, the PMÚ has invited third parties — including natural and legal persons — to submit comments, objections or relevant information concerning the notified transaction. The authority has requested that such submissions be made as soon as possible, preferably within one week of the publication of the notice, in order to allow consideration within the statutory time limits applicable to the first phase of the assessment.
The case represents a significant development in the Slovak telecommunications market, given the presence of O2 as an established operator and the role of UPC Broadband Slovakia in fixed broadband infrastructure. The PMÚ’s review will determine whether the concentration may proceed unconditionally, require commitments, or raise concerns warranting a more in-depth investigation.