Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox’s takeover bid for Sky has been referred to regulators by Culture Secretary Karen Bradley.
In a statement to parliament, Bradley told MPs that Ofcom and competition regulator, the CMA, would be asked to investigate the deal.
21st Century Fox is offering £11.7bn for the 61% stake in Sky it does not already own.
21st Century Fox said it was "confident" the takeover would be approved.
Bradley said: "I am of the view that it remains both important, given the issues raised, and wholly appropriate for me to seek comprehensive advice from Ofcom on these public interest considerations and from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) on jurisdiction issues."
Ofcom is tasked with considering the public interest implications of the deal, covering two specific areas: media plurality, and commitment to broadcast standards.
It is inviting written submissions by 30 March.
Staff Reporter
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