Tech merger may reduce options for people with communication needs
皇冠体育app CMA has found that Tobii鈥檚 acquisition of Smartbox may lead to less choice, higher prices and reduced innovation.
Tobii and Smartbox design and supply technology to enable people with complex speech and language needs to communicate 鈥� known as augmentative and assistive communication solutions. 皇冠体育appse solutions include specialised hardware and software, such as speech generating devices, eye gaze cameras and language systems.
皇冠体育app Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has found that Tobii and Smartbox are leading suppliers in this sector and are each other鈥檚 main competitor. 皇冠体育app CMA is concerned that the merged company would face little competition, which could lead to a reduced range of products being offered, higher prices and fewer new products being developed.
Mike Walker, Chief Economic Advisor, said:
皇冠体育appse are vital technologies bought on behalf of vulnerable people by the NHS, charities and schools.
We believe that the merger could stifle innovation and lead to less choice. We will launch a further in-depth investigation if the companies fail to address our concerns.
Protecting vulnerable consumers is at the heart of the CMA鈥檚 Annual Plan, as reflected by its other recent work in areas such as funerals, care homes and online gambling.
Tobii and Smartbox now have until 1 February 2019 to offer solutions to resolve the CMA鈥檚 concerns, otherwise the merger will be referred for a Phase 2 investigation.
More information can be found on the Tobii / Smartbox case page.