On Tuesday, January 7, the European Commission formalized under reference C/2025/295 a Procedural Initiation concerning what is called Case M.11539 — LIBERTY MEDIA / DORNA SPORTS.
For the average MotoGP enthusiast, far removed from the intricacies of European politics, the acquisition of Dorna Sports by Liberty Media for 3,5 billion euros does not seem to be going very well, because while both parties involved are thrilled with a perfect agreement, the words used in the published text do not hide the state of mind of those who wrote them, and who will have to make the final decision: "the notified concentration raised serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market".
On the one hand, this formalizes the next chapter of the takeover project: an in-depth Phase 2 investigation, launched on the initial deadline of December 19, 2024, under the responsibility of Teresa Ribera , who has headed the European competition authorities since December 1, 2024. Their primary concern is that the proposed merger could limit competition in the broadcasting and streaming platform sectors.
But with a deadline of 15 days from publication, it is now up to Dorna Sports and Liberty Media to be convincing, and quickly, after having made a good impression on the announcement of this decision by the European Commission.
The MotoGP paddock is abuzz with rumors about the various measures that could be taken to overcome this final hurdle in the event of failure, but let's not put the cart before the horse...
The deadline therefore effectively sets January 22 as the deadline for receiving observations from Dorna Sports and Liberty Media, prior to a study which could lead to a decision within the following 90 working days.
(Case M.11539 — LIBERTY MEDIA / DORNA SPORTS)
(Text of EEA relevance)
(C/2025/295)
On 19 December 2024, the Commission adopted a decision to initiate proceedings in the case mentioned above, after finding that the notified concentration raised serious doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The initiation of proceedings opens a second phase of investigation, without prejudice to the final decision, concerning the notified concentration. The decision was taken pursuant to Article 6(1)(c) of Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004 ( 1 ).
The Commission invites interested third parties to submit any comments they may have on the proposed merger.
In order to be fully considered in the procedure, these observations should reach the Commission no later than fifteen days after the date of this publication. They can be sent by email to [email protected] or by post, quoting reference M.11539 — LIBERTY MEDIA / DORNA SPORTS, to the following address:
European Commission
Directorate General for Competition
Transaction of mergers
1049 Brussels
BELGIUM
