The UK Competition & Markets Authority (CMA) has formed a prima facie opinion that the acquisition of Serato Audio Research Limited (Serato) by AlphaTheta Corporation (ATC) is likely to result in substantial lessening of competition in the market for supply of Disc Jockey (DJ) software globally and DJ hardware globally. ATC manufactures DJ hardware by the brand name – ‘Pioneer DJ’ & ‘AlphaTheta’ and also sells DJ software; whereas, Serato is the market leader for the supply of DJ software. According to CMA, if the proposed deal is allowed, it will result in an entity double in size of its nearest rival, potentially impacting the price, quality & innovation of DJ software.
