Liberty Media's MotoGP Bid Faces In-Depth EU Probe

Formula One owner Liberty Media's planned bid for Dorna Sports faces an in-depth investigation by the European Commission over concerns the $3.6 billion deal could hurt competition in broadcasting and streaming markets.

- EDITH HANCOCK

The European Union's antitrust enforcer said Thursday that the deal, which would see U.S.-headquartered Liberty Media take 86% ownership of Madrid-based Dorna Sports, the parent company of worldwide motorcycle racing league MotoGP, could lead to higher prices for the licensing of broadcasting rights for motor sports events.

It said it would look into whether Liberty Media's largest shareholder, John Malone, can exert decisive influence over both companies, saying it is concerned that Liberty Media might have the ability and incentive to foreclose rival broadcasters where its parent company Liberty Global is active.