The Chief of Staff, Guillermo Francos, in an interview with A24, mentioned that the Government will need to analyze whether the acquisition of Telefónica Argentina by Telecom, controlled by the Clarín Group, could create a monopolistic situation. It is currently in the phase of public exposure, and it will be the Executive who is responsible for approving or rejecting the transaction.
This operation has raised concerns within the Government, as the Clarín Group owns Personal and Flow, leading companies in mobile telephony, internet, and television. With this purchase, the resulting company would control more than two-thirds of the market, which could lead to a dominant position in the sector and trigger State intervention in political terms.
The National Communications Entity (ENACOM) and the National Commission for the Defense of Competition (CNDC) will be responsible for assessing whether the operation complies with current regulations and whether it poses a risk to competition. The final decision will rest with the Government after the analysis by the relevant agencies.
In the words of Guillermo Francos, "It is an agreement between private parties, between Telefónica and Telecom."
