Offaly-based radio station set to expand into the Wexford as takeover is approved

The Consumer and Competition Commission has approved the proposed acquisition of South East Radio by the Tullamore-based Midlands 103.

The commercial radio station, which broadcasts across Offaly, Westmeath and Laois, announced last month that it had agreed to buy S.E.R.B. Radio Limited, which operates the local radio licence for County Wexford.

Speaking at the time, Will Faulkner, Managing Director of Midlands 103 said he was committed to preserving the local ethos that has made South East Radio a trusted voice in County Wexford.

"Radio is an innovative industry, and we believe the combined expertise of both teams will create an even stronger offering for listeners and commercial partners alike, while ensuring Midlands 103 and South East Radio retain their unique identities," he said.

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Midlands 103 currently has a weekly listenership of more than 105,000 across Offaly, Westmeath and Laois while South East Radio has more than 70,000 weekly listeners.

In a decision, published on Monday, the CCPC said it is satisfied the proposed acquisition "will not substantially lessen competition in any market for goods or services in the State."

The decision of the CCPC will be now forwarded to the Minister for Arts, Culture, Communications, Media and Sport, Patrick O'Donovan and the acquisition is likely to be formally completed in the coming weeks.

Midlands 103 is part of the Tindle Group, which has a number of media businesses in Ireland, the UK and the Channel Islands.