Book Description

This publication sets out the Commission's provisional findings of its investigation into the market for classified directory advertising services (CDAS) in the UK. This type of advertising is often referred to as directional advertising and includes media such as classified directories, classified adverts in newspapers, online directories and certain forms of internet advertising. The Commission's inquiry focuses on advertising in printed classified directories, and the three largest classified directory publishers are Yell, Thomson and BT. Issues discussed include: the Yell undertakings in relation to prices and directory areas, market definition and concentration, pricing and revenues, barriers to entry and expansion, buyer power, the impact on competition of 'second tiering' or the introduction of additional directory publications in a given geographic area. Amongst its provisional findings, the report concludes that this sector is highly concentrated with Yell, Thomson and BT have a market share of around 98 per cent. Yell has market power and is the price setter in the market. The Commission will consider options to remedy the adverse effect on competition and will report on these separately.