The US-based NortonLifeLock had been planning to purchase UK firm Avast back in March, but as the companies are close competitors, with few other significant rivals, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) expressed concerns that the proposed deal could lead to a reduction in competition in the UK market.
As well as offering antivirus software, the firms also offer privacy software (such as VPNs) and identity protection software.
In its initial Phase 1 investigation, the CMA concluded that the deal raised a realistic prospect of a substantial lessening of competition. But in its Phase 2 investigation, which applied more stringent tests, it reversed its decision.
Following a consultation that ended on 24 August 2022, the CMA has upheld its provisional findings and cleared the deal.
The Phase 2 investigation found that the supply of cyber safety software to consumers is rapidly evolving with providers of both free and paid-for services continually developing...