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GAME/Gamestation deal cleared – but only just

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GAME/Gamestation deal cleared – but only just

Split verdict at Competition Commission; Chairman used casting vote in favour of clearance

In its final report published today, the Competition Commission has concluded that GAME’s £74 million acquisition of Gamestation “may not be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition in the markets for the supply of gaming software, consoles and related accessories in the UK.”

But the report reveals that it was a close call – it states that: “Two members of the Group disagreed with the conclusion in relation to the trade-in and sale of pre-owned gaming software.”

“As this meant a split 2:2 verdict, the Chairman has exercised her casting vote in favour of a final clearance.”

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Utter Tosh

posted by Anon Jan 16, 2008 at 7:24 pm
1
Anon

Having being directly affected by this decision, I can only say that the 'Chairman' has made a terrible, terrible error of judgement by casting her vote in favour of the takeover! What a terrible decision which surely gives the Game Group a massive monopoly on both the new and preowned markets!
I'm sure though that the chairman will sleep safe and sound tonight not giving a toss what effect her decision has had on the workers of Gamestation!

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by Mark Kohler Jan 16, 2008 at 7:43 pm
2
Mark Kohler

I agree, the ONLY thing we can do is BUY of the internet at PLAY and AMAZON. At least you get a good service and prices are always better than game. Also no scratched CD'S, rubbish staff etc.

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by CaptMalarkey Jan 16, 2008 at 7:51 pm
3

Bloody hell! It sounds like you got your redundancy paperwork in the mail today!

I would have thought that having the financial backing of one of, if not the best performing retailer on the high street would have been a good thing. Not the death warrant that you are making it sound like.

Sure there will be changes as with most mergers, but from what I've read it seems like they want to keep the brands separate as they have a different customer demographic all together.

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by ANON Jan 16, 2008 at 7:54 pm
4
ANON

What are you going on about. Surely GAMEstation staff can now sleep better knowing they still have jobs. Blockbusters have been looking to get rid for ages, who knows what might have happened. Also, why does everyone hate GAME? Prices on the GAME web site are as cheap as Amazon etc. Store prices include a premium eg Staff/rent. Some gamers like to get out of the house and interact with other humans face to face, thats what you pay for, dont winge!

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by ANON Jan 16, 2008 at 7:58 pm
5
ANON

What are you going on about. Surely GAMEstation staff can now sleep better knowing they still have jobs. Blockbusters have been looking to get rid for ages, who knows what might have happened. Also, why does everyone hate GAME? Prices on the GAME web site are as cheap as Amazon etc. Store prices include a premium eg Staff/rent. Some gamers like to get out of the house and interact with other humans face to face, thats what you pay for, dont winge!

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by ANON Jan 16, 2008 at 7:59 pm
6
ANON

What are you going on about. Surely GAMEstation staff can now sleep better knowing they still have jobs. Blockbusters have been looking to get rid for ages, who knows what might have happened. Also, why does everyone hate GAME? Prices on the GAME web site are as cheap as Amazon etc. Store prices include a premium eg Staff/rent. Some gamers like to get out of the house and interact with other humans face to face, thats what you pay for, dont winge!

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by Indie Jan 16, 2008 at 9:41 pm
7
Indie

well i for one welcome it as an Indie store proprietor. if the "Big 2" stop trying to compete with each other on price then it means i can squeeze more than £2 profit out of some of the big titles. yes, i know that zavvi and HMV are still around but if GAME now have as big a monopoly as everyone is saying then i take it HMV/zavvi are not likely to be able to compete.

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by gamesp Jan 16, 2008 at 10:24 pm
8

The thing is though, GAME are being very greedy and have basically the market in their hands, this doesn't give small business' in the same area the chance to grow

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Re: Utter Tosh

posted by Anon Jan 18, 2008 at 1:42 pm
9
Anon

We will see what happens in the next few months.Will Gamestation Head office staff keep their jobs?
Long live Gamestation

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help

posted by Mark Fraser Jan 23, 2008 at 11:49 am
10
Mark Fraser

 Dear Sir or Madam,
 
I am a student at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College, Widnes. I am currently studying for my GCSE in Design and Technology: Graphic Products. For my coursework I have decided to design and make a brand new playstation 3 game. Therefore I am writing to ask if you could send me any information relevant to my project, as this would greatly assist me with my designs.
 
I look forward to hearing from you. I enclose a first class stamp to cover the cost of your reply. Thank you in anticipation.
 Yours faithfully,

Mark Fraser

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