Brussels backing for Murdoch’s £12bn bid to take full control of Sky

RUPERT Murdoch’s attempt to take full control of Sky has been cleared by the European watchdog.

The European Commission approved the deal ‘unconditionally’ saying the proposed deal ‘raised no competition concerns’ in a statement. It’s a win for Murdoch, who launched an £11.7bn bid to buy the 61pc of Sky he doesn’t already own in December.

However, the bid still faces hurdles in the UK. Last month Culture Secretary Karen Bradley confirmed she was referring the takeover to Ofcom amid concerns the company would control too much of Britain’s media.

Murdoch owns 39pc of Sky (which broadcasts shows such as Games Of Thrones starring Emilia Clarke, right) through 21st Century Fox. He also owns the Times and the Sun newspapers through News Corp.

Bradley said competition concerns and broadcasting standards were among the issues for the watchdog to look at.

Ofcom is carrying out a public interest test on the proposed deal, including a review of whether the holder of the broadcast licence is a ‘fit and proper person’.

If the watchdog has concerns by the deadline of May 16, 21st Century Fox will have to address them and Bradley must decide whether to accept what it suggests.