The United Kingdom allows the merger of Norton and Avast considering that there are enough competitors

MADRID, 2 Sep. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has decided to authorize the proposed merger between NortonLifeLock and Avast considering that there are enough competitors in the cybersecurity sector for this corporate operation not to be harmful to consumers.

The CMA has reached this conclusion after an investigation in the second phase, since at first it had noted competition problems.

The regulator has detailed that the offer of cybersecurity 'software' for consumers is evolving rapidly. In that sense, there are continually developing antivirus or VPN providers, both paid and free.

The Authority has indicated that the main competitor of the merged company will be McAfee, as well as other providers in the United Kingdom. In addition, it must be taken into account that the cybersecurity solutions that Microsoft has included in Windows, its operating system, in recent years also represent an important competitor.

"After reviewing the facts in an in-depth investigation, we are satisfied that this agreement will not worsen the options available to consumers. Therefore, we have concluded that the agreement can go ahead," said the chair of the CMA inquiry group. Kirstin Baker.