John Schmidt Speaks to Global Competition Review on UK Approval of Manx Telecom Sale

John Schmidt, Arnold & Porter Antitrust partner, was quoted in the recent Global Competition Review article, “U.K. conditionally approves sale of Manx Telecom to CVC-backed joint venture,” discussing the conditions attached to the sale of a critical supplier of telecoms services to the British government.

John explained that the decision reflects the U.K. government’s unsurprising use of its National Security and Investment Act (NSIA) powers to “maximise outcomes” in the interest of national security, noting that intervention can occur even where a transaction does not present clear national security risks.

His comments highlight how Manx Telecom’s role as a critical supplier to government services prompted the imposition of conditions — rather than a prohibition — demonstrating the government’s preference for tailored remedies in sensitive infrastructure deals.

He further emphasized that telecoms and other assets linked to public-sector functions will continue to face heightened scrutiny, with the case illustrating the broad and flexible application of the U.K.’s screening regime to mitigate perceived risks while allowing transactions to proceed.

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