/ 4 September 2013

Commission blocks Van Schaik from acquiring Juta bookshops

The department of basic education has denied that some Limpopo schools are still without textbooks.
The department of basic education has denied that some Limpopo schools are still without textbooks.

Van Schaik Publishers forms part of the Times Media Group, whereas Juta Bookshops is a division of Juta & Company. 

The statement issued by the commission on Wednesday said the merger, while small, was not subject to compulsory notification but that the parties had voluntarily notified the commission of the transaction.

A questionnaire was submitted by the commission to students at the University of Stellenbosch, University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, Tshwane University of Technology Main and Arcadia Campus to determine the impact of the merger to competition in the sector.

The commission concluded that Van Schaik would obtain market power which would be detrimental to students by reducing choice and resulting in higher prices for academic books. – Sapa